Are you looking to earn some extra money each month in Switzerland?
Then starting a side business is a great way to do so.
Many of the business and side hustle ideas that you’ll find on other websites aren’t that well suited to Switzerland.
For example, due to the high wages, it is not really worth it to try the typical suggestions of selling your services on Fiverr or working online as a Virtual Assistant.
With an hourly wage of around 20 CHF an hour to work in a bar, you would be better off just getting another job in Switzerland.
You can read my article on whether side hustles are worth it here.
However, there is money to be made with side businesses in Switzerland.
You just need to choose the right idea.
Below are 10 business ideas that you can start today to earn more money in Switzerland.
1. Create Websites: sell amateur website design services
There are many self-employed lawyers, physios, and other professionals in Switzerland who are in need of a website to advertise themselves and their services.
Many of these self-employed professionals don’t have an online presence yet and they have limited technical experience in creating one.
Therefore, there is a golden opportunity for you to create simple, functional websites for people.
With the tools available today and some general technical knowledge, you can easily create websites and sell this service.
Moreover, this is a service that people are more than happy to outsource and pay you well for.
You can find opportunities to freelance as an amateur website designer through your network in Switzerland.
Not only will you earn a nice side income but you’ll also expand your skills.
Earning potential: 💰💰💰
2. Nannying: Look after children in your spare time
As any parent living in Switzerland knows, childcare is expensive here.
Of course, this also means that this is something that people need and are willing to pay for.
You can work part-time as a nanny in the evenings or on weekends.
Some families also look for nannies to travel with them when they go on holiday.
One friend of mine has gone on more than one holiday this way.
Not a bad way to see Santorini!
Another option if you work from home, is to offer in-house childcare services.
Many parents need someone to look after their children over lunch or after school until they come home from work.
Therefore, you can earn some money on the side by offering child care services in your local area.
Earning potential: 💰
3. Photography: take photos for social media profiles
Photography is not only a great hobby, it is also a great way to earn money.
Of course, this also means that there are already many photographers offering their services.
However, many are concentrating on the wrong market.
With the rise of Instagram and online dating what people want is candid shots of themselves. Not posed photos under studio lights.
No one wants to put an awkwardly posed photograph on their tinder or Instagram profile.
And far too many professional photographers don’t realise this.
There is an untapped segment of the market, which hobby photographers are perfectly positioned to capture.
Take candid photos in the city and in nature for people who are looking to spice up their online presence and turn your hobby into an additional income stream.
Earning potential: 💰💰
4. Resell clothes: promote sustainability and earn cash at the same time
The second-hand clothing market is still relatively young in Switzerland compared to other countries.
However, the market is growing.
If you have a shopping addiction and too many clothes in your wardrobe you can try your hand at selling them online.
Alternatively, you can bargain hunt at local second-hand shops for discarded treasures and resell them for more online.
Try selling through websites, like Facebook Marketplace, Ricardo, Tutti and apps like Poshmark.
Designer items and higher-end brands retain their value the most.
Therefore, look for well-known and good quality brands, take photos in good lighting and you can re-sell them online.
Earning potential: 💰
5. Plants: Grow and sell houseplants online
With the rise of working from home, more and more people have bought plants for their homes.
And the houseplant trend doesn’t show signs of stopping any time soon.
Of course, we have gotten used to the convenience of shopping online and don’t necessarily want to visit a garden centre just to buy plants.
Growing and selling houseplants online is a great way to capitalise on this trend.
And you might be surprised to learn just how much you can earn from some of these houseplants.
For example, even just clippings of rare Monstera varieties can fetch prices of well over 300 CHF online.
So, use your green thumb and sell plants online.
Earning potential: 💰💰💰
6. Fitness Instructor: Workout and earn money at the same
Get fit and earn money while you do it by working part-time as a fitness instructor.
It is not that difficult and doesn’t take more than a few months to get certified as a group class fitness instructor.
You can then teach TosoX, Pilates, or Spin classes at your local gym.
Once you have the qualification you can teach fitness classes for a few hours every week.
Many friends at university and now at work, earn money as fitness instructors in their spare time.
You can easily combine this with another job, by teaching classes early in the morning, in the evening, or on the weekend.
It’s a great way to earn money, work out, and also meet many different people through this side business.
Earning potential: 💰
7. Food: bake something special
Food delivery is a huge market and a tasty way to earn some side income.
But its not enough to just bake some cookies and sell them.
With the amount of competition in the market, you need to select a niche and specialise.
Offer a product that is different from all the donut shops around and find something that sets your product apart.
For example, a specific food from your home country that is relatively simple to produce and distribute.
Or differentiate through the special ingredients or services you offer.
For example, delicious vegan sweets, or unique cakes for birthday parties.
If you find a niche food that others want to try, then you have found yourself a nice money earner.
Earning potential: 💰
8. Write your own cookbook or publish an e-book
While at university two of my friends wrote a cookbook for students on a small budget.
What started as a side project, has now ended up being sold in bookstores around Switzerland.
Another example with a similar story, is a friend of a friend who wrote a book on how to taste wine for beginners.
Writing a book which provides useful information to others can be a great way to earn money.
Moreover, once you have written and published it, a book can earn you passive income while you sit back and relax.
If you have a specific subject that you are interested in or passionate about, considering writing a book.
It might just earn you some money.
Earning potential: 💰💰
9. Music: sell music rights online
Put your talent to use and sell music rights online.
If done properly, this can be a lucrative business.
With the rise of YouTubers and Podcasts, the demand for licenced music by creators has only increased.
If you have a good ear and some technical skills, you can make money through selling your tunes online.
All you need to do is produce your own music, it can be simple R’n’B or HipHop beats, and sell the licence rights online.
You can find an example of a successful music licencing side hustle here.
Earning potential: 💰💰
10. Gin: Get richer by producing your own liquor
Did you know that the now well-known gin Turicum was started by four friends in Zurich?
Gin has risen in popularity in the last few years, and boutique gins have sprung up with this rise in demand.
But it’s not only gin that has seen a revival of small-scale, local production.
Craft brews and other special boutique drinks have become more and more popular.
Therefore, if you have love a good drink and have some good tastebuds to go with it, you might want to try your hand at producing your own liquor.
Done right, not only will you create your own favourite new drink, but you may also start a successful business at the same time.
Earning potential: 💰💰💰
Have you tried any of these businesses or do you have an idea for a side hustle? Then share your experience in the comments below!
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