Looking for the best ways to earn money online in Singapore? You’re not alone. With the rising cost of living and a growing digital economy, more Singaporeans are exploring side hustles, freelancing, and online business opportunities to supplement their income. In fact, surveys from the Ministry of Manpower show a steady increase in residents taking on multiple sources of income — a clear sign that online work is becoming the new norm.
The good news? You don’t need a huge investment or advanced technical skills to get started. From freelancing platforms and e-commerce stores to microtasks, tutoring, and passive income ideas, there are countless legit options available right now.
Whether you’re a student searching for flexible gigs, a professional aiming for extra cash, or simply curious about how to earn money online in Singapore, this guide will walk you through the most effective and practical methods — tailored specifically for the Singaporean market.
17 Best Ways to Earn Money Online in Singapore
Finding the best ways to earn money online in Singapore means choosing methods that are flexible, profitable, and realistic for locals. Below are some proven avenues Singaporeans are already using to build steady side incomes or even full-time careers.
1. Freelancing on Local and Global Platforms
If you have digital skills, freelancing is one of the most rewarding ways to earn online. Platforms like Fiverr Singapore, Upwork, FastJobs, and Glints connect freelancers with both local and international clients.
- Skills in demand: graphic design, website development, copywriting, video editing, and coding are always sought after.
- Earning potential: A freelance graphic designer in Singapore can earn anywhere between SGD $20–$60 per hour, while developers and coders often charge upwards of SGD $70 per hour on platforms like Upwork.
The best part? Freelancing allows you to work remotely, build your own schedule, and scale your income as you gain more clients.
2. Selling on Carousell, Shopee & Lazada SG
E-commerce is booming in Singapore, and marketplaces like Carousell, Shopee, and Lazada SG offer accessible ways to start selling online.
- Carousell is ideal for decluttering and selling preloved items, electronics, or fashion. Many Singaporeans use it as a side hustle with almost no upfront costs.
- Shopee and Lazada SG are better suited for building a full-fledged online business. With the right products and marketing, sellers can turn casual sales into a consistent monthly income stream.
Earning potential: Carousell sellers typically make SGD $200–$500 per month from side sales, while serious Shopee or Lazada sellers can scale up to SGD $2,000–$5,000 per month depending on product demand and marketing efforts.
3. Food & Delivery Apps: Grab, Foodpanda, Deliveroo
If you prefer flexible, on-demand work, delivery apps like Grab, Foodpanda, and Deliveroo remain popular choices in Singapore.
- Drivers and riders can choose their own hours and cash out earnings daily.
- Peak hours (lunch and dinner times) offer higher incentives and bonuses.
Earning potential: Delivery partners usually make SGD $12–$20 per hour, with full-time riders taking home SGD $2,000–$3,500 per month after bonuses. For many Singaporeans, this is one of the fastest ways to start earning online-connected income without needing specialized skills.
4. Online Tutoring and Teaching
Education is highly valued in Singapore, and parents are willing to invest in extra lessons for their children. This has made online tutoring one of the fastest-growing ways to earn money online. Subjects like math, science, and English are always in demand, especially at the primary and secondary levels.
Platforms to get started
- Tutor.sg connects local tutors with students across the island.
- VIPKid allows Singaporeans to teach English to international students, especially in China.
- Outschool provides opportunities to teach niche subjects, from coding to creative writing.
Earning potential: Tutors in Singapore typically charge SGD $25–$50 per hour for primary school students and SGD $50–$100 per hour for secondary and junior college students. With consistent clients, online tutoring can bring in SGD $1,500–$3,000 per month part-time.
5. Dropshipping and Ecommerce Business
If you’re looking for a scalable online business, dropshipping is one of the best ways to start without holding inventory. With dropshipping, you sell products online, and suppliers handle storage, packaging, and delivery.
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This is where platforms like Spocket come in. Spocket gives you access to thousands of high-quality products from US and EU suppliers, ensuring faster shipping and better quality control compared to traditional marketplaces. Many Singaporean entrepreneurs prefer Spocket for its private suppliers and product variety.
To set up your store, platforms like Shopify Singapore (Shopify SG) make it simple to launch a professional online store in just a few clicks. By combining Shopify’s powerful tools with Spocket’s reliable supplier network, you can build a business that is both profitable and sustainable.
Earning potential: A beginner dropshipper in Singapore may earn around SGD $500–$1,000 per month, while established stores can scale to SGD $5,000–$10,000+ per month, depending on niche and marketing strategy.
Legit Side Hustles in Singapore
If you’re looking for legit side hustles in Singapore to boost your income, there are plenty of opportunities that can fit around your lifestyle. From digital services to content creation, these options are practical, flexible, and can help you build extra income in Singapore without leaving your home.
6. Part-Time Digital Services
Offering digital services is one of the most reliable ways to start a side hustle. Many Singaporeans are turning to graphic design, copywriting, and data entry to earn steady income online.
- Platforms like Airtasker and Freelancer.sg connect you directly with clients looking for small projects and one-off tasks.
- The work can range from designing a logo for a local café to helping with data entry for SMEs.
Earning potential: Freelancers in Singapore typically earn between SGD $15–$40 per hour for entry-level services, while skilled graphic designers and copywriters can charge SGD $60–$100 per hour. Even part-time, this can translate to SGD $500–$2,000 per month depending on workload.
7. Blogging, YouTube & TikTok
If you enjoy creating content, blogging, YouTube, and TikTok can become highly rewarding side hustles.
- Monetization methods include Google Adsense, the TikTok Creator Fund, affiliate links, and sponsorships.
- Singaporean creators like JianHao Tan (YouTube) and Wah!Banana (comedy skits) show how local talent can turn content into full-time businesses.
- Even micro-influencers with just a few thousand followers are landing paid brand collaborations in Singapore.
Earning potential: Blogging and YouTube creators can earn SGD $300–$2,000 per month once they gain traction, while TikTok creators often receive SGD $200–$1,000 per sponsored post depending on audience size.
8. Affiliate Marketing in Singapore
Affiliate marketing is another legit way to earn passive income in Singapore. Instead of selling your own products, you promote others’ products and earn a commission on every sale.
- Popular affiliate programs include the Spocket Affiliate, Shopee Affiliate Program, Lazada Affiliate Program, and even Amazon Singapore.
- You can promote products through blogs, social media, or even YouTube reviews.
This model is attractive because once your content is live, it can keep generating sales long-term with minimal effort.
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Earning potential: Affiliates in Singapore can earn anywhere from SGD $200 per month as a beginner to SGD $3,000–$5,000 per month once they’ve built a solid audience or blog with high traffic.
How to Earn Money Online in Singapore Without Investment
Not everyone has spare cash to start a business — the good news is there are plenty of ways to earn money online in Singapore without investment. These methods require only your time and effort, making them ideal for students, part-timers, or anyone looking to build side income without upfront costs.
9. Paid Surveys and Microtasks
One of the simplest ways to get started is by completing online surveys and microtasks. Platforms like Swagbucks, Toluna, Milieu Surveys, and the government-backed CrowdTask.gov.sg offer rewards for giving feedback, answering surveys, or performing quick tasks.
- Easy to start — no skills required.
- Rewards can be redeemed as cash, vouchers, or PayNow transfers.
Earning potential: While not a full-time income, Singaporeans can earn around SGD $50–$200 per month by consistently completing surveys and microtasks in their spare time.
10. Content Writing and Translation Jobs
If you enjoy writing, content writing and translation jobs are excellent side hustles that require no upfront costs. Many local businesses and startups in Singapore need blog posts, product descriptions, or English-to-Mandarin translations.
- Entry-level projects are available on sites like Freelancer.sg, Glints, and Upwork.
- Great for those with good language skills and an eye for detail.
Earning potential: Beginners may earn SGD $20–$40 per article or SGD $15–$25 per hour, while experienced writers and translators can make SGD $2,000+ per month working part-time.
11. Social Media Micro-Jobs
Brands are constantly looking for people to help with social media micro-jobs such as posting reviews, liking content, testing new apps, or sharing promotions.
- Many of these opportunities are listed on microtask platforms or offered directly by Singaporean SMEs.
- Perfect for students or those active on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Earning potential: Most micro-jobs pay around SGD $5–$20 per task, but completing several per week can add up to SGD $200–$500 per month in extra income.
Passive Income Opportunities in Singapore
If you’re looking for long-term ways to build wealth, exploring passive income in Singapore can be a smart move. Passive income means earning money with minimal ongoing effort after the initial setup. Here are some of the most popular options Singaporeans use today.
12. Investing in Stocks, ETFs & REITs
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) offers plenty of opportunities to invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). These investments can generate dividends and capital gains, providing consistent passive income.
- REITs like CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust are popular for their stable dividend payouts.
- ETFs allow you to diversify with lower risk.
- Robo-advisors such as StashAway and Syfe make investing easier with automated portfolio management.
Earning potential: Dividend yields from REITs often range between 4–6% annually, while long-term investors in ETFs can expect average returns of 5–8% per year. For someone investing SGD $10,000, this could mean SGD $400–$800 passive income yearly.
13. Selling Digital Products
Another growing source of passive income is selling digital products online. Once created, these products can generate sales around the clock with little maintenance.
- Examples include e-books, design templates, stock photos, or online courses.
- Platforms like Gumroad, Teachable, and even Shopify SG make it easy to launch and scale.
- Many Singaporean creators monetize their expertise in finance, coding, or design this way.
Earning potential: A well-marketed e-book or online course can bring in SGD $500–$2,000 per month, and top creators can scale up to SGD $10,000+ monthly with multiple products.
14. Rental Income and Asset Leasing
If you own assets, you can earn passive income by renting them out.
- Property rental: Renting out a spare room or apartment is one of the most common ways.
- Storage leasing: Platforms like Spaceship allow you to rent out unused storage space.
- Equipment leasing: From cameras to musical instruments, many Singaporeans earn by renting items on peer-to-peer platforms.
Earning potential: A spare HDB room can fetch SGD $700–$1,200 per month, while renting out equipment like a DSLR camera could bring in SGD $20–$50 per day. Even small assets, like bicycles or power tools, can provide SGD $200–$500 monthly in extra income.
How Students Can Earn Money Online in Singapore
Many young people are searching for practical ways to earn extra cash without disrupting their studies. Fortunately, there are several flexible side hustles perfect for students to earn money online in Singapore. These options require minimal investment and can fit around school or university schedules.
15. Online Tutoring & Coaching
Tutoring is one of the most popular choices for students who are strong in academic subjects. You can offer lessons to peers or younger students in areas like math, science, or English.
- Platforms like Tutor.sg and even simple Zoom sessions make it easy to get started.
- Beyond academics, students can also coach skills such as music, coding, or even gaming.
Earning potential: Student tutors usually charge SGD $15–$30 per hour for primary school tutoring and up to SGD $40–$60 per hour for secondary-level coaching. Even with just a few sessions a week, this can add up to SGD $400–$800 per month.
16. Freelance Creative Work
If you’re creative, freelancing is another excellent side hustle. Many students already have skills in logo design, video editing, or TikTok content creation, which are highly valued by businesses.
- Freelance projects can be found on Fiverr Singapore, Upwork, or Carousell Services.
- TikTok and Instagram content creation are especially appealing to brands targeting Gen Z audiences.
Earning potential: Freelance creatives can make SGD $50–$200 per project depending on complexity. Student creators with growing TikTok followings may also earn SGD $100–$500 per sponsored post.
17. Flexible Gigs on Grab, Carousell
For students who prefer hands-on work, flexible gigs on Grab and Carousell are easy ways to earn.
- Grab: Students can take on delivery jobs during free hours, especially weekends.
- Carousell: Selling preloved clothes, textbooks, or gadgets is a quick way to generate extra income.
Earning potential: Grab delivery riders typically earn SGD $10–$18 per hour, while Carousell sellers often make SGD $100–$300 per month just by reselling items they no longer need.
Tips for Success When Earning Online in Singapore
Finding the best ways to earn money online in Singapore is just the first step. To succeed in the long run, it’s important to approach online work professionally and responsibly. Here are key tips every Singaporean should keep in mind.
Manage Your Time Wisely & Avoid Scams
One of the biggest challenges of earning online is balancing work with school, a full-time job, or other commitments. Create a schedule and set realistic goals so your side hustle doesn’t overwhelm you.
At the same time, be cautious of scams. If a platform asks for upfront fees or promises “guaranteed income,” it’s a red flag. Stick to legit platforms like Grab, Shopee, Tutor.sg, Fiverr Singapore, or CrowdTask.gov.sg, which have established reputations.
Build Credibility with Clients
Whether you’re freelancing, tutoring, or running an online business, credibility is your strongest asset. Deliver work on time, communicate clearly, and ask satisfied clients for reviews or testimonials.
- On platforms like Upwork or Fiverr Singapore, positive reviews can help you secure higher-paying projects.
- For e-commerce sellers on Carousell or Shopee SG, good ratings and responsive customer service drive repeat sales.
The more professional you appear, the faster you’ll grow your online income.
Stay Compliant with Taxes & Legal Requirements
It’s easy to forget, but income earned online in Singapore is still taxable. According to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), earnings from freelancing, e-commerce, or side hustles must be declared in your annual income tax return.
- Register your side hustle if it qualifies as a business.
- Keep track of invoices, receipts, and earnings to simplify tax filing.
- If you’re selling goods online regularly, check if you need to register for GST once revenue crosses the threshold.
By staying compliant, you not only avoid penalties but also build a more sustainable and professional online career.
Conclusion
To sum up, earning money online in Singapore is more achievable than ever with the right mindset, tools, and strategies. From freelancing and e-commerce to affiliate marketing and digital services, opportunities exist across diverse fields for people with different skills. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and adapt as you learn what works best for your goals. By tapping into Singapore’s thriving digital economy, you can create flexible income streams, build financial independence, and even grow your online venture into a full-time business. The future of work is online—don’t hesitate to take your first step today.