Start Online Side Hustle

A side hustle online is the way for more and more people in the Netherlands to generate extra income alongside their regular job. Whether you want to earn an extra €200 or €2,000 per month - the internet offers unprecedented opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we'll discuss over 25 online side hustles, compare the options based on startup time and earnings, and explain how to set up a side hustle online in the Netherlands in a legally and fiscally correct way.

Why start a side hustle online in 2025?

The Netherlands is one of the best countries in the world to start an online side hustle. The digital infrastructure is excellent, the percentage of internet users is over 97%, and platforms like bol.com offer easy access to millions of consumers. Additionally, the Dutch e-commerce market grows annually by 8-12%, creating more space for new sellers and providers.

Furthermore, technological developments make it easier than ever to set up a profitable side hustle from home. Tools like product trackers, AI writing aids, and automation tools lower the barrier significantly. Where you used to need to invest thousands of euros five years ago, you can now often start with less than €100 in startup capital.

The best side hustle online options compared

Below, you'll find an overview of the most popular online side hustles in the Netherlands, including estimated startup costs, difficulty level, and expected monthly income after six months:

E-commerce: the most popular online side hustle in the Netherlands

Selling on bol.com

Selling on bol.com is by far the most popular online side hustle in the Netherlands. With over 13 million active customers and a market share of over 50% in Dutch e-commerce, the platform offers enormous growth opportunities. You can start with products you already have, or specifically search for suppliers for profitable niches.

The key to success on bol.com is product research. Use tools like the Zoloo Product Database to find niches with high demand but low competition. Analyze competitors with the Product Tracker and optimize your listings with relevant keywords via the Keyword Verkenner.

Dropshipping from the Netherlands

With dropshipping, you sell products without holding them in stock yourself. You only order from the supplier after a customer has placed an order with you. The advantage: no inventory risk and low startup costs. The disadvantage: lower margins and less control over delivery times.

In 2025, there are more and more Dutch and European dropshipping suppliers available, so you're no longer dependent on long delivery times from China. Platforms like bol.com also offer dropshipping opportunities, although there are strict delivery time requirements to consider.

Print on demand

Print on demand is ideal for creative entrepreneurs. You design products (t-shirts, mugs, posters) and a print partner takes care of production and shipping after each order. Platforms like Printful and Gelato integrate seamlessly with webshops and marketplaces. Margins range from 20-40%, depending on the product.

Selling digital products

From e-books and templates to online courses and stock photos: digital products have the advantage of zero marginal costs per sale. Once created, you can sell them unlimitedly. Popular niches in the Netherlands include financial planners, Canva templates, recipe e-books, and business templates.

Freelance services as an online side hustle

Freelance writing

The demand for Dutch content is enormous. Companies have a constant need for blog articles, product descriptions, social media texts, and translation work. Rates vary from €0.05 to €0.25 per word, depending on your experience and specialization. Start on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Dutch alternatives like Freelance.nl.

Virtual assistant

As a virtual assistant (VA), you support entrepreneurs and companies with tasks such as email management, calendar planning, social media management, customer service, and bookkeeping. The hourly rate varies from €15 to €50, depending on your specialization. It's a low-threshold way to start since you don't need specific training.

Social media management

Companies pay well for consistent, high-quality social media presence. As a social media manager, you create content, plan posts, analyze statistics, and manage advertising campaigns. You can start with 2-3 clients alongside your regular job and gradually scale up. Many social media managers in the Netherlands earn €500-€2,000 per month as a side hustle.

Web design and development

With basic knowledge of WordPress, Shopify, or Webflow, you can already build websites for local businesses. It's one of the best-paid freelance side hustles, with project prices ranging from €500 to €5,000+. The demand for web designers in the Netherlands continues to grow as more SMEs go online.

Online coaching and consultancy

Got expertise in a specific field - fitness, nutrition, finance, marketing, or personal development? You can offer online coaching. Sessions via Zoom or Teams combine well with a full-time job. Coaching rates vary from €50 to €200 per session, depending on your niche and experience.

Content creation and passive income

Affiliate marketing

In affiliate marketing, you promote others' products or services and earn a commission on every sale made through your unique link. Popular affiliate programs in the Netherlands include the bol.com partner program (commissions up to 8%), Coolblue, Amazon Associates, and various SaaS programs. Affiliate marketing requires patience - it can take 3-6 months to generate significant income - but once it's up and running, it's largely passive income.

Starting a YouTube channel

Dutch YouTubers earn money through ads (AdSense), sponsor deals, and affiliate links. The CPM (cost per thousand views) for the Dutch audience ranges from €2 to €8. To monetize through AdSense, you need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. Popular niches in the Netherlands include tech reviews, financial advice, cooking channels, and lifestyle vlogs.

Blogging and SEO

Starting a blog is still a valid side hustle in 2025, as long as you focus on SEO and choose a specific niche. Income comes from ads (Google AdSense, Mediavine), affiliate links, and sponsored content. The startup time is longer (6-12 months), but a well-positioned blog can generate €500-€5,000 per month.

Creating online courses

Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable make it easy to monetize your knowledge. In the Netherlands, courses in Dutch are often more profitable than English-language courses due to lower competition. Popular topics include online marketing, programming, photography, and personal finance.

Starting a podcast

Podcasting is growing rapidly in the Netherlands. Although direct income from ads only comes with a larger audience (5,000+ listeners per episode), you can use a podcast as a marketing tool for your other services or products. Sponsorship deals typically start at €100-€500 per episode.

Legal and tax aspects of an online side hustle in the Netherlands

A common mistake when starting a side hustle in the Netherlands is neglecting legal and tax obligations. Here's what you need to know:

KvK registration

As soon as you regularly offer products or services with the intention of making a profit, you are required to register with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). Registration costs a one-time fee of €75. Occasional sales, such as second-hand items via Marktplaats, are exempt. If you want to sell on bol.com, KvK registration is always required.

Tax return and VAT

Income from your side hustle must be declared to the tax authorities as business profit or income from other activities. As a freelancer, you may be eligible for the self-employed person's deduction (€2,470 in 2025) and the starter's deduction (€2,123), provided you meet the hourly criterion (at least 1,225 hours per year). For VAT, the small business scheme (KOR) applies: if your turnover is below €20,000 per year, you can apply for an exemption.

Checking your employment contract

Always check your employment contract for a non-compete clause or secondary activities clause. Many employers allow side income as long as it's not competitive, but it's wise to discuss this beforehand. An open conversation with your employer prevents surprises later.

Step-by-step: starting your first online side hustle in the Netherlands

Ready to get started? Follow this step-by-step plan to structure your online side hustle:

Step 1: Choose Your Side Hustle

Select an option that fits your skills, available time, and startup budget. Use the comparison table above to make an informed decision. Start with something you enjoy - motivation is crucial for long-term success.

Step 2: Validate Your Idea

Before you invest, validate your idea. For e-commerce, you can use the Zoloo Product Database to analyze market demand. For freelance services: test the market by looking at platforms to see how much demand there is for your skills.

Step 3: Register with the KvK

Visit the KvK or register online. This costs a one-time fee of €75. You'll receive a KvK number and VAT number immediately. Tip: choose a sole proprietorship when starting out - administrative burdens are minimal.

Step 4: Set Up Your Administration

Use an accounting program like Moneybird, e-Boekhouden, or Zoloo's automatic invoicing to keep your administration in order from day one. Store all receipts and invoices digitally. This will save you a lot of time when filing your taxes.

Step 5: Start and Optimize

Start small and scale up gradually. Measure your results, analyze what works, and adjust your strategy. For bol.com sellers, the Sales Dashboard provides insights into your revenue, profit, and trends. Use data to make better decisions - the most successful side hustlers are those who know their numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Side Hustles in the Netherlands

How Much Can I Earn with an Online Side Hustle?

Earnings vary greatly depending on the type of side hustle and the time you invest. Most beginners earn €200-€500 per month in the first three months. After six months to a year, this can increase to €1,000-€3,000+ per month, depending on your niche and effort. Top sellers on bol.com regularly earn €5,000-€10,000+ per month.

Do I Need a KvK Registration for My Side Hustle?

Yes, if you regularly offer products or services with the intention of making a profit. Occasional sales (second-hand items) are exempt. For sales on bol.com, a KvK registration is always required. Read more about selling without a KvK and the exceptions.

What's the Best Online Side Hustle for Beginners?

Selling on bol.com, virtual assistant, and freelance writing are the most accessible options. Selling on bol.com offers the best scaling potential: start with a small assortment, learn the market, and gradually expand with the help of tools like the Product Tracker.

Can I Combine an Online Side Hustle with a Full-Time Job?

Absolutely. Most online side hustles can be combined with a full-time job. Plan 5-15 hours per week for your side hustle, preferably in fixed time blocks. However, check your employment contract for any clauses regarding side activities or non-compete clauses.

How Much Tax Will I Pay on My Side Hustle Income?

This depends on your total income and the structure of your business. As a self-employed individual, you'll pay income tax on your profit (rate 36.97% up to €76,817 in 2025). You can benefit from deductions like the self-employed person's allowance, startup allowance, and the SME profit exemption (12.7%). If your turnover is below €20,000 per year, you can apply for the small business scheme (KOR) for VAT exemption.

Is Dropshipping Legal in the Netherlands?

Yes, dropshipping is completely legal in the Netherlands. You do need to have a KvK registration, comply with consumer rights (14-day cooling-off period), and follow the BTW rules. Be extra careful when importing from outside the EU: for shipments over €150, you'll need to pay customs duties and BTW.