How to Earn Money on the Side in Singapore

Earning extra money on the side in Singapore is a practical way to improve financial security, save for future goals, or explore entrepreneurship. With Singapore’s high cost of living, having a side income can provide a significant financial cushion.

Whether you are looking for fast cash, long-term passive income, or flexible side hustles, there are multiple ways to generate extra income. This guide covers proven methods that work for both beginners and experienced professionals.

1. Freelancing – Monetize Your Skills

Freelancing is one of the fastest ways to start earning money on the side, as it requires minimal investment and can be done remotely.

Best Freelance Platforms for Singaporeans

• Upwork – Ideal for writers, designers, and marketers.
• Fiverr – Perfect for small gigs such as video editing or logo design.
• Freelancer.sg – Local platform connecting freelancers with businesses.

Potential Earnings

• Writing blog posts: $50–$200 per article.
• Graphic design: $30–$150 per project.
• Virtual assistant work: $10–$30 per hour.

Steps to Start

1. Choose a skill that you can offer as a service.
2. Create a profile on a freelancing platform.
3. Apply for jobs and start building a portfolio.
4. Scale by increasing your rates and working with repeat clients.

Freelancing is an excellent side hustle because it offers flexibility and unlimited earning potential.

2. Selling Products Online – E-commerce & Dropshipping

E-commerce is a great way to earn money on the side by selling physical or digital products without managing inventory.

Best Platforms for Selling

• Shopee/Lazada – Local e-commerce platforms with high traffic.
• Etsy – Ideal for selling handmade or unique digital products.
• Printify/Redbubble – Print-on-demand platforms that handle fulfillment.

Potential Earnings

• Selling 10 T-shirts with a $10 profit margin = $100/day.
• Selling 5 digital planners at $15 each = $75/day.

Steps to Start

1. Identify a niche product.
2. Set up an online store using Shopee, Shopify, or Etsy.
3. Promote through social media and paid ads.
4. Automate fulfillment with dropshipping or print-on-demand services.

With the right approach, e-commerce can become a steady source of side income.

3. Ride-Hailing and Food Delivery – Earn on Your Schedule

If you own a vehicle, ride-hailing or delivery services can provide fast and reliable side income.

Best Gig Work Apps in Singapore

• Grab/Gojek – Ride-hailing for drivers.
• Foodpanda/Deliveroo – Deliver food using a car, motorbike, or bicycle.
• Lalamove – Deliver packages for businesses and individuals.

Potential Earnings

• Grab/Gojek drivers earn around $15–$25 per hour.
• Food delivery riders earn $5–$8 per delivery.
• Lalamove couriers can earn $10–$50 per job.

Steps to Start

1. Sign up with a ride-hailing or delivery platform.
2. Work during peak hours to maximize income.
3. Combine multiple platforms to increase job opportunities.

Ride-hailing and delivery provide instant side income without the need for special skills.

4. Tutoring and Coaching – Teach What You Know

Tutoring is one of the highest-paying side hustles, especially in Singapore, where demand for academic and professional coaching is high.

Best Tutoring Platforms

• Superprof – Connects tutors with students.
• ChampionTutor – Specializes in academic subjects.
• Teachable/Udemy – Sell recorded courses for passive income.

Potential Earnings

• Private tutoring: $50–$80 per hour.
• Group tuition: $100 per class with multiple students.
• Online courses: $50 per course, recurring sales.

Steps to Start

1. Choose a subject or skill to teach.
2. Register on a tutoring platform or market services on LinkedIn.
3. Offer free trial classes to attract students.

Tutoring is ideal for professionals looking to monetize their expertise without major upfront costs.

5. Affiliate Marketing – Earn Commissions for Referrals

Affiliate marketing allows you to earn passive income by promoting products and receiving a commission for every sale.

Best Affiliate Programs for Singaporeans

• Shopee/Lazada Affiliate – Earn commissions from online shopping referrals.
• Amazon Associates – Promote and earn from global products.
• ClickBank/Digistore24 – Specializes in digital product promotions.

Potential Earnings

• Promoting a $50 product with a 20% commission → 20 sales per month = $200.
• Selling software subscriptions with $100 commissions → 10 signups per month = $1000.

Steps to Start

1. Choose a niche (e.g., tech gadgets, personal finance, fitness).
2. Create content on a blog, YouTube, or social media.
3. Share product links and earn commissions.

Affiliate marketing requires consistent content creation but has the potential to become a passive income source.

6. Stock Dividends and Passive Investing – Earn Without Active Work

For those who prefer a hands-off approach, investing in dividend-paying stocks and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) can generate long-term passive income.

Best Investment Options

• Dividend Stocks – DBS, OCBC, Singtel.
• REITs – Capitaland Integrated Commercial Trust, Mapletree Logistics Trust.
• Singapore Savings Bonds (SSB) – Low-risk government-backed bonds.

Potential Earnings

• Investing $10,000 in a 5% dividend stock = $500/year or $41.67/month.
• Investing $50,000 in REITs paying 6% dividends = $250/month.

Steps to Start

1. Open a brokerage account with Tiger Brokers, Saxo, or DBS Vickers.
2. Invest in high-dividend stocks or REITs.
3. Reinvest earnings to compound passive income over time.

While this is not a short-term method, strategic investing can provide reliable passive income.

Conclusion: The Best Ways to Earn Money on the Side in Singapore

Whether you prefer active work (freelancing, tutoring, delivery gigs) or passive income (investing, affiliate marketing, e-commerce), there are multiple ways to generate side income in Singapore.

Summary of Best Side Hustles

By selecting one or a combination of these methods, it is possible to build multiple streams of income without quitting a full-time job.

Which side hustle are you considering? Share your thoughts in the comments.