A side hustle is an extra income you build alongside your regular job or studies. More and more people are looking for ways to generate extra income - whether it's for financial freedom, building your own business, or simply saving more. In this comprehensive article, you'll find over 25 proven side hustle ideas, including realistic earnings, startup times, and practical steps to get started right away.
What is a side hustle?
The term "side hustle" comes from English and literally means a "side income" or "side activity." In Dutch, we're using the term more and more to describe a flexible, independent source of income alongside your main job. Unlike a traditional part-time job with an employer, with a side hustle, you're in control of your time, customers, and earnings.
According to research by the CBS, the number of people with a side activity in the Netherlands has increased by over 35% in the past five years. The combination of digital opportunities, flexible work, and rising living costs makes a side hustle in the Netherlands more attractive than ever. With an average extra income of €500 to €2,000 per month, a side hustle can make a significant difference in your financial situation.
Side hustle: the best ideas in 2026
Below, you'll find a comprehensive overview of the most popular and profitable side hustles for Dutch people. We've categorized them so you can quickly find what suits your interests and skills.
E-commerce side hustles
E-commerce is one of the most popular categories for a side hustle. Selling products through platforms like bol.com offers low-threshold opportunities with enormous reach.
| Side hustle | Startup time | Startup capital | Expected monthly earnings | Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selling on bol.com | 2-4 weeks | €500 - €2,000 | €500 - €5,000 | Average |
| Dropshipping | 1-2 weeks | €100 - €500 | €200 - €2,000 | Average |
| Print on demand | 1-2 weeks | €0 - €100 | €100 - €1,000 | Low |
| Own webshop | 4-8 weeks | €500 - €3,000 | €300 - €5,000 | High |
| Selling second-hand | Direct | €0 | €100 - €500 | Low |
| Amazon FBA | 4-8 weeks | €1,000 - €5,000 | €500 - €10,000 | High |
| Selling digital products | 2-4 weeks | €0 - €200 | €200 - €3,000 | Average |
1. Selling on bol.com - With over 13 million active customers, bol.com is the largest online platform in the Netherlands and Belgium. You can start by purchasing products from wholesalers or via Alibaba and reselling them. With tools like the Boloo Product Tracker, you can quickly find profitable products with little competition.
2. Dropshipping - With dropshipping, you sell products without holding any inventory. Your supplier ships directly to your customer. The advantage is the low startup capital, but the margins are generally smaller. Read our guide on dropshipping via bol.com for more information.
3. Print on demand - Design your own designs for t-shirts, mugs, posters, and more. Products are only produced after an order, so you don't need any inventory. Platforms like Printful and Printify make it easy to get started.
4. Your own webshop - With Shopify or WooCommerce, you can set up your own webshop. This gives you more control over your brand and margins, but requires more marketing knowledge to attract customers.
5. Selling second-hand items - Start by selling items you no longer use via Marktplaats, Vinted, or bol.com. Many people earn hundreds of euros per month by smartly buying at thrift stores and reselling.
Freelance and service side hustles
If you have skills that others need, you can use them as a freelancer. This is often the fastest way to earn extra money because you deliver value directly.
6. Freelance writing - Companies constantly need content for websites, blogs, and social media. If you can write well in Dutch, you can quickly earn €50-100 per article. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr provide a starting point.
7. Virtual Assistant - Help entrepreneurs with administrative tasks, email management, planning, and customer service. As a virtual assistant, you can earn an average of €15-30 per hour and work completely from home.
8. Social media management - Many small businesses need help with their social media. If you're handy with Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn, you can earn €300-800 per client per month.
9. Graphic design - With tools like Canva and Adobe, you can design logos, flyers, social media content, and more. Freelance designers earn an average of €40-80 per hour.
10. Translation work - If you speak fluent English, German, or French in addition to Dutch, translation work is a lucrative side hustle. Translation work pays an average of €0.08-0.15 per word.
11. Web design and development - Building a simple website for a local business can earn you €500-2,000. With WordPress or Webflow, you can create professional websites without programming knowledge.
Digital and passive side hustles
These side hustles require an initial investment of time but can generate (partially) passive income afterwards.
12. Creating online courses - Share your expertise via platforms like Udemy or Teachable. A good course can generate sales for months without extra work. Popular courses can earn €500-5,000 per month.
13. Affiliate marketing - Earn a commission by recommending other companies' products through a blog, YouTube channel, or social media. With the bol.com Partnerprogramma, you can earn up to 8% commission on sales.
14. YouTube channel - A Dutch YouTube channel can earn money through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. With 10,000+ subscribers, you can count on €200-1,000 per month from ad revenue.
15. Blogging - Start a blog about a topic you know a lot about. Through ads (Google AdSense), affiliate links, and sponsored content, you can build a significant income. Successful Dutch bloggers earn €1,000-10,000 per month.
16. Starting a podcast - Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands. With sponsorships and ads, you can earn money as soon as you've built a loyal audience.
17. Stock photography - Sell your photos via platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Each download earns a small amount, but with a large portfolio, this can add up to hundreds of euros per month.
Offline and local side hustles
Not every side hustle has to be online. There are also excellent opportunities in your immediate surroundings.
18. Odd jobs and repairs - Handy with tools? Via platforms like Werkspot, you can take on odd jobs in your neighborhood. On average, you can earn €25-50 per hour.
19. Tutoring and lessons - Help students with subjects like math, English, or physics. Tutors earn an average of €20-40 per hour, depending on the level.
20. Dog walking service - A popular and healthy side hustle. Through apps like Rover, you can walk dogs for €10-15 per walk.
21. Delivery work - As a bike courier for Thuisbezorgd, Uber Eats, or Gorillas, you can work flexibly and earn an average of €12-18 per hour, including tips.
22. Events and catering - Help with events, parties, or as a bartender. This often pays well (€15-25 per hour) and can be scheduled flexibly.
Innovative side hustles in 2026
23. AI services - Help companies implement AI tools for customer service, content, or automation. This is a rapidly growing market with hourly rates of €50-150.
24. Online coaching and consulting - Share your expertise through one-on-one coaching sessions. Whether it's career, fitness, finance, or personal development - coaching is a booming market with rates of €50-200 per session.
25. NFTs and digital art - Creative individuals in the Netherlands earn money by creating and selling digital art and collectibles. Although volatile, this market offers unique opportunities for artists.
Practical steps to start your side hustle in the Netherlands
Starting a side hustle in the Netherlands doesn't have to be complicated. Follow these steps to get started quickly and effectively:
Step 1: Choose your side hustle
Select a side hustle that fits your skills, available time, and financial goals. Start with something you already have experience with - this lowers the threshold and increases your chance of success.
Step 2: Take care of the administration
In the Netherlands, you need a KvK registration for most side hustles. This costs a one-time fee of €75 and can be arranged within an hour. Additionally, you need to file a tax return with the Tax Authority. If you earn less than €1,800 per year, your side hustle falls under the "result from other activities" and you don't have to pay VAT.
Step 3: Invest in knowledge
Successful side hustlers invest in their own development. Take online courses, read blogs, and join communities of like-minded individuals. For e-commerce side hustles, Boloo offers free courses to help you get started.
Step 4: Start small and scale up
Start with a minimal investment and test your idea. Only when you notice there's demand, invest more time and money. This lean startup approach prevents you from taking too much risk.
Tax and legal aspects of a side hustle in the Netherlands
When starting a side hustle in the Netherlands, you need to consider various tax and legal obligations. Below is an overview of the most important rules:
| Aspect | Details | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| KvK registration | Required for structural activities | Usually required immediately |
| Income tax | Declare all income when filing a tax return | From the first euro |
| VAT | Small Business Scheme (KOR) possible | Turnover < €20,000/year |
| Self-employed deduction | Only for ≥1,225 hours per year | Not for most side hustles |
| Inform employer | Check your employment contract | Often required for side activities |
| Insurance | Consider liability insurance | Recommended for service provision |
Be aware: if you start a side hustle alongside your job, you need to check if your employment contract includes a non-compete clause or secondary activities clause. In many cases, it's wise to inform your employer about your plans.
Tips to make your side hustle a success
The difference between a successful side hustle and a failed project often lies in the approach. Here are proven tips from successful side hustlers:
- Be consistent - Work a fixed number of hours on your side hustle every week, even if you don't see immediate results. Consistency is key to growth.
- Automate where possible - Use tools to automate repetitive tasks. For e-commerce sellers, Boloo's automatic invoicing and the Sales Dashboard offer huge time savings.
- Network actively - Join Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and local entrepreneur networks. Here, you'll find not only customers but also valuable tips and collaborations.
- Keep track of your finances - Know exactly how much you earn and spend. Use a spreadsheet or accounting tool to calculate your profit and monitor your financial health.
- Invest in marketing - Even the best products or services don't sell themselves. Learn the basics of SEO, social media marketing, and email marketing.
- Think long-term - Most side hustles don't generate much income in the first few months. Don't give up too quickly - it takes an average of 3-6 months to generate serious income.
Frequently asked questions about side hustles
How much can I earn with a side hustle?
This varies greatly depending on the type of side hustle. On average, people in the Netherlands with a side hustle earn between €300 and €2,000 per month. E-commerce side hustles, such as selling on bol.com, can generate more than €5,000 per month if successful.
Do I need a KvK number for a side hustle?
In most cases, yes, especially if you regularly sell products or services. Registering with the KvK costs a one-time fee of €75 and is quickly arranged. For occasional sales (e.g., via Marktplaats), it's often not necessary.
Can I combine a side hustle with a full-time job?
Yes, that's the whole idea of a side hustle. The most important thing is to manage your time well and check your employment contract for any restrictions. Many side hustles can be planned flexibly in the evenings and on weekends.
What's the best side hustle for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend starting by selling on bol.com or selling second-hand items. The threshold is low, the reach is large, and you quickly learn the basic principles of entrepreneurship. With Boloo's Product Tracker, you can find profitable products to start with right away.
Do I have to pay taxes on my side hustle income?
Yes, you must report all income on your tax return. Depending on your situation, your income falls under "business profit" or "income from other activities." Through the Small Business Scheme (KOR), you can be exempt from paying VAT if your annual turnover remains below €20,000.
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