More and more people in the Netherlands are looking for the best side hustles to generate extra income alongside their regular job. Whether you're a student, working for a salary, or want to earn more as a freelancer: a side hustle offers financial freedom, new skills, and the opportunity to turn your passion into a profitable business. In this comprehensive article, we discuss 15 proven side hustles that are perfectly suited for the Dutch market, including earnings, start-up costs, and practical tips.
What makes the best side hustles so popular?
The popularity of side hustles in the Netherlands has grown explosively in recent years. Research by the CBS shows that the number of self-employed and flexible workers in the Netherlands is steadily increasing, and more and more employees are combining their regular job with an additional source of income. There are several reasons why side hustles are more popular in the Netherlands than ever:
- Rising cost of living - Higher rent, energy costs, and groceries make extra income attractive
- Digitalization - Online platforms make it easier than ever to start a side hustle
- Flexible working - Working from home gives more space to start a business alongside your job
- Entrepreneurship culture - The Netherlands encourages entrepreneurship with favorable regulations and a strong digital infrastructure
- Financial independence - More and more people want to be independent of one source of income
The Dutch e-commerce market offers many opportunities. Platforms like bol.com, Amazon, and Shopify make it possible to set up a profitable webshop with relatively little start-up capital. With tools like Boloo's Product Tracker, you can identify market opportunities and optimize your product range.
The 15 best side hustles in the Netherlands in 2026
Below, we discuss the most profitable and achievable side hustles for the Dutch. For each option, we provide an estimate of the start-up costs, earning potential, and time required.
1. Selling on bol.com
Selling on bol.com is one of the most lucrative side hustles in the Netherlands. With over 13 million active customers, the platform offers enormous growth opportunities. You can start with products from your own stock or via dropshipping. Successful sellers use data analysis tools to identify profitable niches, optimize their listings, and stay ahead of the competition. With the Boloo Sales Dashboard, you keep track of your sales and margins.
2. Starting a dropshipping business
With dropshipping, you sell products without holding any stock. Your supplier ships the product directly to the customer. This makes it an ideal side hustle because you don't need a large investment in stock. Dutch dropshippers often focus on bol.com or their own Shopify webshop. However, keep an eye on margins: due to increasing competition, it's essential to find unique products and carefully select your suppliers.
3. Offering freelance services
With skills like web design, copywriting, graphic design, programming, or translation, you can earn a good income as a freelancer. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.nl connect you with clients worldwide. Dutch freelancers have the advantage of high language skills (Dutch and English) and a reliable image. Average hourly rates vary from €25 for beginners to €100+ for specialists.
4. Affiliate marketing
With affiliate marketing, you earn a commission by promoting other companies' products or services through your website, blog, or social media. Popular affiliate networks in the Netherlands include Daisycon, TradeTracker, and the bol.com partner program. Getting started requires little investment (just a website), but building sufficient traffic takes time and perseverance. Successful affiliate marketers can earn between €500 and €5,000+ per month.
5. Creating and selling online courses
Do you have expertise in a particular area? You can create and sell online courses through platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or your own website. The Dutch market for online education is growing rapidly, and Dutch-language courses have less competition than English ones. Topics like e-commerce, digital marketing, personal development, and finance are particularly popular.
6. Content creation (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)
Content creation offers enormous opportunities for creative entrepreneurs. Dutch YouTubers and TikTok creators earn money through ads, sponsorships, merchandise, and affiliate links. Building an audience takes time, but the earnings can be substantial. Focus on a niche that interests you and be consistent in your posts to grow your reach.
7. Print on demand
With print on demand, you design products (t-shirts, mugs, posters, phone cases) that are only produced when ordered. Platforms like Printful, Printify, and Spreadshirt handle production and shipping. You don't need inventory and can sell your designs through your own webshop or marketplaces. The margins are smaller than with your own production, but the risk is minimal.
8. Virtual assistant
As a virtual assistant (VA), you support entrepreneurs and businesses remotely with tasks like email management, calendar planning, social media management, bookkeeping, and customer service. The demand for VAs is growing rapidly due to the increase in remote work. You can start with an hourly rate of €15-25 and build this up as you gain more experience and specialization. Dutch VAs specializing in e-commerce support are in high demand.
9. Selling second-hand items and flipping
Buying products at flea markets, thrift stores, or Marktplaats and reselling them for a profit is a low-threshold side hustle. Popular categories include electronics, brand clothing, vintage furniture, and collectibles. With a good eye for valuable items and knowledge of the market, you can earn hundreds to thousands of euros per month. Platforms like Vinted, Marktplaats, and eBay are ideal for reselling.
10. Starting a webshop
Having your own webshop gives you full control over your brand, prices, and customer relationships. With platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Lightspeed, you can set up a professional webshop within a day. The key to success is finding a profitable niche and investing in e-commerce marketing. Combine your webshop with sales through bol.com for maximum reach.
11. Photography and stock photos
If you have a talent for photography, you can sell your photos through stock photo platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock. Additionally, you can work as a freelance photographer for events, products, or portraits. Dutch photographers specializing in product or food photography for e-commerce companies earn an average of €75-150 per hour.
12. Blogging and niche websites
A blog or niche website can generate passive income through ads (Google AdSense), affiliate marketing, and sponsored content. Choose a topic you're knowledgeable about and has sufficient search volume. Dutch blogs about making money, travel, health, and technology perform exceptionally well. It takes an average of 6-12 months for a blog to generate significant income.
13. Private lessons and tutoring
With knowledge of school subjects or specialized topics, you can offer private lessons via platforms like Bijles.com, Superprof, or your own network. Online tutoring allows you to reach students across the Netherlands. Hourly rates vary from €15 for elementary school subjects to €50+ for university subjects or exam training. This is an ideal side hustle for students and teachers.
14. App or software development
If you have programming skills, you can build apps, plugins, SaaS tools, or websites as a side hustle. The demand for developers is high, and the rates are excellent. You can choose freelance projects or develop your own digital product. Dutch developers specializing in e-commerce integrations or Shopify apps have a particularly strong market position.
15. Selling on Amazon (FBA)
Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) enables you to sell products through Amazon, where Amazon handles storage, shipping, and customer service. Although the competition on Amazon is high, the platform provides access to millions of European customers. Combine Amazon FBA with selling on bol.com for a diversified e-commerce strategy and use product research tools to identify profitable products.
Comparison: best side hustles in the Netherlands at a glance
To help you make the right choice, we've compared the 15 side hustles based on startup costs, earning potential, required time, and difficulty level:
| Side Hustle | Startup Costs | Monthly Earnings | Startup Time | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selling on bol.com | €200 - €2.000 | €500 - €10.000+ | 2-4 weeks | Average |
| Dropshipping | €100 - €500 | €300 - €5.000 | 1-2 weeks | Average |
| Freelance services | €0 - €100 | €500 - €5.000 | 1-2 weeks | Low - Average |
| Affiliate marketing | €50 - €200 | €100 - €5.000 | 3-6 months | Average |
| Online courses | €0 - €500 | €200 - €10.000 | 1-3 months | High |
| Content creation | €0 - €1.000 | €100 - €10.000+ | 3-12 months | Average |
| Print on demand | €0 - €200 | €100 - €3.000 | 1-2 weeks | Low |
| Virtual assistant | €0 - €50 | €300 - €2.500 | 1-2 weeks | Low |
| Second-hand flipping | €50 - €500 | €200 - €3.000 | Immediate | Low |
| Own webshop | €200 - €2.000 | €500 - €10.000+ | 2-4 weeks | Average - High |
| Photography | €500 - €3.000 | €200 - €4.000 | 1-2 months | Average |
| Blogging | €50 - €200 | €100 - €5.000 | 6-12 months | Average |
| Tutoring/teaching | €0 - €50 | €200 - €2.000 | 1-2 weeks | Low |
| App development | €0 - €500 | €1.000 - €10.000+ | 2-6 months | High |
| Amazon FBA | €500 - €5.000 | €500 - €15.000+ | 1-2 months | Average - High |
How to choose the right side hustle?
The best side hustle is one that fits your skills, available time, startup budget, and personal interests. Use the following criteria to make your choice:
Available time
How many hours per week can you dedicate to your side hustle? If you only have 5-10 hours per week available, low-barrier options like freelancing, tutoring, or virtual assistant work are the most suitable. With 15-20+ hours per week, you can consider more ambitious projects like e-commerce or content creation.
Startup capital
Some side hustles require little to no investment (freelancing, virtual assistant work), while others need more startup capital (e-commerce, Amazon FBA). Be realistic about your budget and start small - you can always scale up once you see the first results.
Skills and interests
A side hustle that aligns with your existing skills gives you a head start. Are you creative? Consider content creation or print on demand. Have commercial talent? Then e-commerce via bol.com or your own webshop is a logical choice. Analytically inclined? Affiliate marketing or SEO consultancy might be a better fit.
Scalability
Think about the long term. Some side hustles (tutoring, virtual assistant work) are tied to your available hours, while others (e-commerce, courses, blogging) are scalable and can generate passive income. If you aim for financial independence in the long run, choose a scalable model.
Starting a side hustle in the Netherlands: practical steps
Starting a side hustle in the Netherlands requires a few practical steps. Below is an overview of what you need to arrange:
1. KvK registration
For most side hustles in the Netherlands, you need to register with the Chamber of Commerce. This applies as soon as you generate income structurally with your activities. The registration costs a one-time €75 and gives you a KvK number that you need for invoicing and tax returns. If you want to sell on bol.com, you must also be registered with the KvK for at least 10 weeks before you can open a sales account.
2. Tax obligations
As an entrepreneur in the Netherlands, you are liable for VAT as soon as your turnover exceeds the small business scheme (KOR). In addition, you must pay income tax on your business profit. Keep a good administration from the start - this will save you a lot of stress when filing your tax return. Consider a bookkeeping program like e-Boekhouden, Moneybird or Exact Online.
3. Business bank account
Although not mandatory by law, a business bank account is strongly recommended. It separates your private and business finances, makes your administration more transparent, and looks more professional to customers and suppliers. Banks like Knab, Bunq and N26 offer advantageous business accounts.
4. Insurances
Depending on your side hustle, you may need additional insurances. Think of a professional liability insurance (for freelancers and consultants), a business liability insurance or a legal assistance insurance for entrepreneurs.
Common mistakes when starting a side hustle
To help you on your way, we share the most common pitfalls that Dutch side hustlers encounter:
- Starting too broad - Focus on one side hustle and do it well, instead of starting multiple projects at the same time
- Underestimating costs - Not only calculate material costs, but also your time, software, marketing and shipping costs
- Not keeping administration - Start with a good bookkeeping from day one to prevent problems with the tax authorities
- Impatience - Most side hustles need 3-6 months to become profitable, don't give up too quickly
- Skip market research - Validate your idea before investing. Use tools like the Boloo Product Tracker for e-commerce market research
- Not choosing a niche - Don't try to be everything for everyone. A specific target audience makes marketing more effective and cheaper
The best side hustles in the Netherlands for e-commerce entrepreneurs
For the Dutch who are specifically interested in e-commerce, the Dutch market offers unique benefits. Bol.com is by far the largest e-commerce platform in the Benelux and offers sellers access to millions of potential customers. With the right strategy and tools, you can build a profitable e-commerce side hustle, even with limited time.
The key to success in e-commerce as a side hustle is working data-driven. Instead of guessing which products are popular, you use tools to analyze market trends, competition and profitability. Product research helps you identify niches with high demand and low competition, while a sales dashboard gives you insight into your performance and margins.
Popular e-commerce side hustles for the Dutch include:
- Private label products on bol.com or Amazon - your own brand products with higher margins
- Arbitrage - buying products cheaply from wholesalers or foreign suppliers and reselling them for a profit
- Niche webshop - a specialized webshop for a specific target audience
- Dropshipping via bol.com - selling without holding your own stock
Conclusion: start your side hustle today
The best side hustles in the Netherlands are accessible, scalable, and fit the unique opportunities the Dutch market offers. Whether you choose to sell on bol.com, freelance, create content, or another option from this list - the most important thing is that you start. Start small, learn from your experiences, and scale up when you see results. With the right approach and perseverance, your side hustle can grow into a serious source of income that gives you financial freedom.
Want to start making money online through e-commerce? Earning money online is easier than you think. Sign up with Boloo and discover how our tools can help you become a successful online seller faster.
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