Side hustles allow people to earn extra income alongside their regular jobs. With rising costs, higher taxes, and increased economic uncertainty, many people are looking for ways to start a side hustle in the Netherlands and build a stronger financial safety net.
Planning to start a side hustle in the Netherlands in 2026? This guide covers everything you need to know, including how they work and the best side hustle ideas for the year.
What are side hustles
Side hustles are activities people do outside their primary job to earn extra cash in exchange for their time. For many, side hustles are a way to supplement their income, while for others, it’s a way to build passive income.
Additional work from these gigs is beneficial, as they are more flexible than the main job: workers are in charge of how much they work and how much they earn. In some cases, these extra workloads can lead to career changes if a hobby turns into a profitable venture.
What types of side hustles can you do
Side hustles are often compared with the gig economy, and there are plenty of options and possibilities you can pursue. We found that there are multiple types of hustles, ranging from digital services and face-to-face interaction to selling digital products and investing to earn passively.
The type of software side hustle is primarily skill-dependent. Starting a side hustle of one type can be easier if you already know what you’re doing. At the same time, other side gigs can be tried even with minimal knowledge, but they will require more effort and time. The key is finding an opportunity that aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals.
How to choose a side hustle
To choose a side hustle, it’s essential to look at what you like doing, how much you want to work on the side hustle, and what your ultimate goal is. Are you just looking to add some extra cash and only allocate one to two hours? Or are you looking to build a side hustle from the ground up? Or you may have capital and want to start a side hustle that generates extra money with little work.
To answer these questions, you need to understand your strengths, identify the easiest opportunities, and assess the effort required. It’s important to set realistic expectations about your time commitment. To choose your next passive gig, start by exploring online forums, platforms, and payment options. Some ideas require specific tools or upfront investment, while others only need a reliable internet connection.
How much can you earn with side hustles
What you earn depends on how much time you invest and how committed you are. Bankrate data shows that the average side hustler earns €825 per month to supplement their existing earnings. Side hustles in the Netherlands can vary, as well as the payouts. For example, Yieldfund, a way for people to earn passively with the money they already have, allows them to earn around €400 per month with little to no work.
Best side hustle ideas in 2026
Here are some of the top side hustle ideas to consider in the Netherlands for 2026.
Teach others
If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can share your knowledge with others. This could involve academic tutoring in subjects like math or language, or teaching a practical skill, such as playing a musical instrument or coding. You can offer sessions in person or online through video calls, giving you flexibility. Platforms like Udemy and Teachable also let you create and sell online courses for a more passive income stream.
Investing with Yieldfund
If you already have capital on hand and want to enter a side hustle where money is coming in with little effort, then Yieldfund provides this opportunity. Yieldfund is a quantitative trading company that provides annual returns of up to 60%. By purchasing any of the three available plans, users can consistently return with weekly payouts without having to trade themselves. This means you leverage professional trading expertise to grow your capital with no trading knowledge.
DIY services
If you’re skilled with your hands, offering DIY services can be a profitable side hustle. There is always demand for tasks such as assembling flat-pack furniture, gardening, house cleaning, or minor home repairs. You can advertise your services locally through community groups or on platforms that connect service providers with customers.
Virtual assistant
Many businesses and entrepreneurs need administrative, technical, or creative support but aren’t ready to hire a full-time employee. As a virtual assistant, you can offer services such as email management, social media scheduling, and basic bookkeeping. This is a great remote side hustle that allows you to use your organizational skills and work flexible hours.
Content creatio
Creating content such as blog posts, videos, or podcasts can build an audience and generate income through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. Focus on a niche you’re passionate about, whether it’s travel, cooking, or finance. Consistency and quality are key to growing your following and monetizing your content.
Selling digital products
Creating a digital product—like an e-book, a template, or a guide—means you create it once and can sell it repeatedly. This offers excellent potential for passive income. Identify a common problem or need within a specific audience, and create a digital product that solves it. You can sell your products on platforms like Etsy or Gumroad.
Side hustle approaches
Starting a side hustle in the Netherlands is an excellent way to boost your income. While some ventures, like real estate, are capital-intensive, others, like becoming a virtual assistant, require significant time. If you have existing capital, companies like Yieldfund let you access investment plans to generate weekly earnings. Plans on Yieldfund start at $10,000 with one-, two-, or three-year terms. This makes it an ideal option for busy professionals looking to build an additional income stream with a balance of accessibility and potential returns.
FAQ
What is the best side hustle for flexible hours in the Netherlands?
Side hustles like freelance writing, virtual assistance, and content creation offer great flexibility, as you can often set your own hours and work from anywhere.
What is the highest-paid side hustle?
High-skill side hustles like consulting, freelance coding, or specialized tutoring can command high hourly rates. Investing with Yieldfund also has the potential for significant returns, depending on the amount invested.
Are side hustles passive income?
Some side hustles, like selling digital products or investing, can generate passive income once they are set up. Others, such as freelancing or DIY services, require active work to earn money.
What’s a legit side hustle?
A legitimate side hustle is any legal activity that provides a product or service in exchange for payment. The ideas listed in this article, from tutoring to investing with reputable firms like Yieldfund, are all legitimate ways to earn extra income.
