What is a Side Hustle, and Why is it Growing in Romania?

A side hustle refers to a secondary job or project pursued alongside a primary occupation. In Romania, rising inflation (7.2% as of January 2025) and stagnant wages have driven 43% of urban Romanians to seek extra income. Platforms like OLX and eMAG facilitate local gig opportunities, while remote work platforms (Upwork, BestJobs) connect Romanians to global markets.

Pain Point: Economic uncertainty and low disposable income.
Solution: Start with low-investment hustles like freelance writing or selling handmade crafts. For inspiration, explore 20 Ways to Save $200/Month as a Student to free up funds for your hustle.

What Are the Best Online Side Hustles for Romanians?

Romania’s internet penetration (82% in 2024) makes online hustles ideal:

  • Freelancing: Graphic design, coding (avg. earnings: €15–€30/hour).
  • E-commerce: Sell products on Shopify or local platforms like FAN Courier.
  • Content Creation: YouTube/TikTok monetization (Romanian creators earn €200–€2,000/month via ads).

Pro Tip: Use The Ultimate 2025 Courier Service Guide to streamline e-commerce logistics.

How Can Students in Romania Balance Studies with a Side Hustle?

Top Student Hustles:

  • Tutoring (€10–€20/hour for math/English).
  • Social media management for local businesses.
  • Selling notes/study guides on platforms like StuDocu.

Pain Point: Time management.
Solution: Use time-blocking apps like Trello. Pair with Student Savings Tips to maximize earnings.

What Side Hustles Are Suitable for Mothers in Romania?

Mothers often seek flexible, home-based work:

  • Handmade Crafts: Sell knitted goods on Etsy or local markets.
  • Blogging/Vlogging: Parenting niches perform well.
  • Affiliate Marketing: Promote products via Instagram/Facebook.

Success Story: A Bucharest mom earns €300/month selling DIY decor on OLX.

Can Side Hustles Make You Rich in Romania?

While most earn €200–€1,000/month, scaling is possible:

  • E-commerce Entrepreneurs: 15% of Romanian Shopify store owners earn over €5,000/month.
  • Stock Investments: Reinvest profits using How to Invest in Stocks.

Key Stat: 8% of Romanians with side hustles replace their full-time income by year two.

How to Start a Side Hustle Without Experience or Investment?

Zero-Cost Ideas:

  • Trash-to-Cash Hustle: Upcycle furniture (avg. profit: €50–€150/item).
  • Freelance Writing: Use free courses on Coursera to build skills.
  • Virtual Assistant: Manage emails/schedules for international clients.

Resource: Learn to monetize passions via Turn Hobbies into Profits.

What Are the Tax Implications of Side Hustles in Romania?

  • Micro-Company (PFI): Flat 1–3% tax on income under €500,000/year.
  • Freelancers: 10% income tax + 25% health contributions (if over €15,000/year).
    Advice: Consult a local contabil (accountant) to optimize liabilities.

Where Can Romanians Learn About Side Hustles?

  • YouTube: Channels like “Afaceri din Pasione” (Romanian).
  • Podcasts: “Business Made Simple” (global insights).
  • Blogs: Explore Side Hustle Ideas for curated strategies.