How to Make Extra Money: Effective Ways to Earn Extra Money, Over 60 Inspiring Examples
- Damian Brzeski
- 1 day ago
- 16 min read
Still too much month left of money? Do you feel like your paycheck disappears faster than it arrives?
You are not alone – more and more Poles are looking for ways to earn extra income by combining flexibility, passion and legal security.
Is moonlighting just a passing fad or the start of a new career? Find out how to effectively earn more in 2025 – legally, smartly and without risk.
Tired of an empty wallet? Discover the world of extra work and start earning more!
Do you sometimes feel like your salary is disappearing faster than ice cream on a hot day? Or maybe you just have some free time and want to earn money to fulfill your dreams, pay off a loan or have some fun? If so, you've come to the right place!
An additional job is no longer just a way to survive from paycheck to paycheck, but a real chance for additional income and personal development. And today, in the era of the Internet, earning money from occasional work is easier than ever.
Why? Because earning money online is no longer reserved for IT specialists. Today – thanks to the ubiquitous AI – even creating graphics, writing texts or running a blog has become more accessible.
But beware: easier access also means more competition and the need to develop new skills. Not only creativity is needed, but also cleverness and awareness of the tools at hand.
Before we dive into specific ideas on how to find your source of income , let's stop for a moment at the idea of a side job.
Additional work, occasional work – what is it and why are so many of us looking for it?
At first glance, everything looks simple – additional work , also known as casual work , is simply a way to earn extra money. But – interestingly – there is no rigid legal definition. It is a formal “grey area”: everyone seems to know what it is, but there are no legal provisions.
Usually we are talking about short-term jobs, taken for a specific period of time, for a limited number of hours. The goal is of course additional income , i.e. more freedom in household finances.
Most often, such work is performed on the basis of a contract for specific work, a contract for specific work or – which is becoming increasingly popular – unregistered activity.
And you know what? You're not alone in this. According to statistics, as many as half of Poles are actively looking for additional work or are already doing it. This is a huge number that says one thing: you need extra money to feel more secure and stable.
For students, it is often the first step into adulthood – by earning money from part-time work , they can gain experience without giving up their studies. But for many adults, it is also an opportunity to develop, discover new passions and skills, and sometimes even change career paths.
It's worth adding that a second job gives you a lot of flexibility. You can work in the evenings, on weekends or just when you have free time - it's all up to you. Not bad, right?
But – as is often the case – there is also the other side of the coin.
Some catches worth knowing about
The lack of a formal definition of additional work may make life easier, but at the same time it brings legal ambiguities. Because the form you choose – a contract for services, a specific work or unregistered activity – has a real impact on your obligations to ZUS and the Tax Office.
If you don't want to pay arrears, interest and explain incorrect settlements later, it's worth taking a moment to check everything carefully. This will ensure that your additional sources of income are safe and legal.
And now that you know what extra work involves, it's time for specifics. Because there are really a lot of possibilities, especially on the Internet - and that's what the next part will be about.
The Paperwork Side of Power, or How to Earn Money Legally and Wisely in Poland - How to Avoid Getting in the Way of the Tax Office?
Okay, so now we know that there are tons of ideas for making money from part-time work . But before you throw yourself into the whirlwind of orders and projects, we need to hunker down for a moment and get a handle on something that may seem boring but is absolutely crucial: taxes and ZUS .
Don't worry – I'll walk you through it step by step!
Understanding the rules of settlement is essential so that your additional income does not become a source of unpleasant surprises. And remember: what your duties are depends on whether you already have a full-time job and what form of additional income you choose.
A. Are you earning extra money while already having an employment contract? Here's what you need to know
Do you have a full-time job but want to earn some extra money? Most often, you will come across two forms of cooperation: a contract for services and a contract for specific work . It sounds similar, but the differences between them are huge.
Contract of mandate – when diligence counts
This is a typical form of moonlighting. Examples? Serving a booth, running social media, or distributing leaflets.
Social Insurance contributions?
If you have a full-time job earning at least the minimum wage, you often only pay health insurance contributions.
Sickness insurance – voluntary.
💡 Interesting fact: You can voluntarily register for sickness insurance, but its basis cannot exceed 250% of the average salary.
Contract for specific work – when the effect counts
It's about a specific result: an article, a graphic design, a photoshoot. Work has an end and a goal.
ZUS?
Usually no contributions. Only ZUS registration (RUD form), no fees.
If you perform work for your own employer – then contributions apply!
Taxes and costs for civil law contracts
PIT (income tax) :
Standard: 12% advance payment from gross.
Relief for young people: Up to 26 years of age with a contract of mandate – zero tax (up to a specified limit).
Costs of obtaining income (COST):
Standard: 20% of revenue.
Creators: Up to 50% if you create something protected by copyright (e.g. graphics, text, software).
💡 Note: The income limit for which 50% CAP can be applied changes every year. In 2025, it may be over PLN 85,000.
Social Insurance Institution contributions – the most important rules
Contract of mandate: The client reports you to ZUS (ZUA form). Each contract is counted separately.
Contract for specific work: No contributions, but mandatory registration (RUD form).
🛑 Trap: If ZUS decides that it was not a work, but an order – you may receive a demand for payment of overdue contributions + interest. That is why it is important that the contract is well described!
Do you work for your own employer?
If you have a full-time job and enter into an additional contract with the same employer, both the assignment and the work are treated as an extension of your full-time job.
🔒 Effect? All ZUS contributions apply.
Young people on the rise – discounts and privileges until the age of 26
Relief for young people (zero PIT):
Works up to PLN 85,528 per year (plus PLN 30,000 tax-free amount).
Applies to: employment contract, mandate, internship, maternity benefit.
Does not apply to: contracts for specific work and business activity.
📅 Important: What counts is the day of pay, not the day of work!
Social Insurance contributions:
Contract of mandate – no contributions for students (up to 26 years of age), unless they perform work for their full-time employer.
Contract for specific work – no contributions (unless for the employer).
B. Maybe your own company? JDG and unregistered activity
Unregistered activity - business without registration
This is the perfect option to start with: testing an idea without having to register a company.
Rules:
No registration in CEIDG, no ZUS.
Monthly income limit: 75% of the minimum wage (approx. PLN 3,499 in 2025).
Taxes:
Settlement in PIT-36.
Possibility of deducting costs (invoices, bills).
VAT and cash register:
Exemption up to PLN 200,000 per year.
A cash register is required when the amount exceeds PLN 20,000 (or in some industries).
💡 Do you sell products online ? This is a great way to get started without stress.
JDG – sole proprietorship
If you want to operate on a larger scale, JDG may be for you. But watch out for the costs:
Double health insurance contribution if you have full-time employment and self-employment.
Health insurance contribution calculated from income or revenue (depending on the form of taxation).
Tax-free amount (30,000 PLN) :
You can settle it only once – e.g. as a self-employed person instead of as an employee.
🛑 Limitations: If you work as a self-employed person for a former/current employer, you will not benefit from reliefs such as "Mały ZUS", "Ulga na start" or a lump sum.
Additional costs:
Accounting, invoicing, administration – it's all on your shoulders.
📌 JDG makes sense for higher incomes. Otherwise, it's better to stick to contract work or unregistered business.
C. A retiree/pensioner can also earn extra money – but watch out for the limits!
Refers to:
Retirees before reaching retirement age.
Pensioners (including social pension).
Limits:
70% of the average salary – above this amount ZUS will reduce the payment.
130% – ZUS may suspend the payment completely.
📆 Remember: The limits change every quarter – check the ZUS website!
The following can earn extra money without limits:
People who have reached retirement age.
Recipients of survivors' pension (if they are over retirement age).
📣 Note: You are obliged to inform ZUS about your additional earnings!
D. Student on the rise – maximum benefits, minimum risk
Zero PIT:
Up to 26 years of age
Up to PLN 85,528 in income.
Applies to: assignment, employment contract, internship.
NOT applicable to: contract for specific work, self-employed person.
Social Insurance Institution:
Contract of mandate: usually no contributions.
Contract for specific work: no contributions (with exceptions).
🔍 Students should look for freelance work offers – the optimal form for this group.
Formalities don't have to be scary! Just understand the basics and choose the form of earning money that suits your abilities.
Whether it's making money through freelancing, sales, or simple assignments - you can do it legally and wisely.
And now – it's time for the next chapter, where I will show you how to make money fast without leaving home!
Over 60 Proven Ideas for Extra Earnings in Poland
The market for additional work in Poland is really booming – and in all directions. If you are looking for an option for additional income , you no longer have to drop everything and start your own company.
All you need is a computer, some time and... willingness.
The additional work should be flexible, easy to reconcile with your daily schedule and not require a large investment right away. The best part? You can do many of these things from your couch – remotely.
Online and Remote Work - or How to Earn Money at Home?
Looking for something that doesn't require commuting or even getting out of your pajamas? Here's a list of activities you can do remotely:
Freelancing – Flexible remote work in many industries (IT, graphics, translations, marketing). You choose your clients and hours. Earnings: from PLN 40/h to even PLN 200/h for specialist services.
Copywriter / Content Creator – Writing SEO texts, product descriptions, e-books, blog content. Earnings: PLN 10–15 for a simple text, PLN 100–150 for a blog article, up to PLN 1,000 for an e-book.
Text translator – Translation of documents and websites. Earnings: 20–70 PLN per page, depending on the language and topic.
Virtual assistant – Calendar, mail, data management. Earnings: 30–60 PLN/h, depending on the scope of duties.
Remote tutoring / Online tutor – Teaching via Zoom/Skype. Earnings: 30–80 PLN/h (languages, mathematics, programming).
Managing social media channels – Content creation, post planning, brand collaboration. Earnings: 1500–5000 PLN/month.
Running a blog / Creating a website – Monetization through ads, affiliation, cooperation. Potential: from a few hundred PLN to 10,000+ PLN/month.
Vlogging / Streaming (YouTube, Twitch) – Video content and broadcasts. You can earn from 100 PLN/month to several thousand PLN by developing a channel.
Completing online surveys – Easy and fast. Earnings: 1–5 PLN per survey, up to 200 PLN/month if done systematically.
Product Testing – Sample testing and review. Earnings: 20–100 PLN per test, sometimes freebies.
Bank Affiliate Programs – Earning by recommending accounts, cards. Earnings: PLN 50–300 for each effective recommendation.
Data Entry – Remote Office Work. Earnings: 20–40 PLN/h.
Application/Game Tester – Bug Verification. Earnings: 30–60 PLN/h or rate per report.
Computer graphics / Web design – Logos, banners, layouts. Earnings: PLN 100–1000 per project.
Video Editing / Photo Editing – Editing, retouching. Earnings: 50–200 PLN/h or 200–1000 PLN per project.
Programmer / IT Specialist – Remote projects. Earnings: 100–300 PLN/h depending on specialization.
SEO/SEM Specialist – Positioning and advertising. Earnings: 50–150 PLN/h or 1000–6000 PLN/month depending on clients.
Online customer service / Call center - Email and phone support. Earnings: 20–35 PLN/h.
E-commerce / Dropshipping – Sales without a warehouse. Earnings: from several hundred PLN to 10,000+ PLN/month depending on turnover.
Selling handmade items online – Etsy, OLX, Vinted. Earnings: from a few zlotys to a few hundred zlotys per day, depending on the products.
Affiliate Marketing – Sales Commissions. Earnings: 100–10,000+ PLN/month with an extensive network.
Transcriptions / Text Transcription – Audio to Text. Earnings: 20–40 PLN/h or 5–15 PLN per page.
Online accounting – Micro-entrepreneurs, JDG. Earnings: PLN 150–500/month per client.
Telesales / Telemarketing – Calling, surveys. Earnings: 20–40 PLN/h + commissions.
Online Consultant – Dietitian, psychologist, mentor. Earnings: 80–300 PLN/h.
Creating courses / e-books - Knowledge in digital form. Earnings: from PLN 1,000 / month to PLN 50,000 + with scaling.
Online Forum/Group Moderator – Community Management. Earnings: 500–2000 PLN/month.
Virtual Recruiter – Search for candidates. Earnings: PLN 500–3,000 per successfully employed person.
Presentations / Slides - PPT and Keynote for companies. Earnings: 50-150 PLN per presentation.
Project Management (PM) – Task Coordination. Salary: 3000–10000 PLN/month.
Podcasts – Audio Production. Earnings: 0–5000 PLN/month with collaborations and sponsors.
Database management – Data entry and control. Earnings: 25–60 PLN/h.
Website Testing (UX/UI) – Usability Testing. Earnings: PLN 100–400 per project or PLN 30–70/h.
Template Creation – Templates for WordPress, Canva. Earnings: 100–5000 PLN/month (passive sales).
Proofreading and editing texts – Linguistic correction. Earnings: PLN 10–20 per page or PLN 40–100/hour.
💡 Nowadays, thanks to AI, creating graphics, texts or courses is not only easier, but also faster . But remember - making money on skills in the age of automation requires new competences from you: using tools, thinking creatively and... patience.
Where to look for jobs for extra income?
Not only locally!
Polish portals : useme.eu, outwork.pl
Foreign : fiverr.com, upwork.com
The global market means not only more competition, but also greater earning potential and the opportunity to work for clients from all over the world . Something that can really change your wallet.
Are you still here? Well, now you know over 30 ideas on how to make money online.
It's time to move on - the next part will be full of options for those who prefer working in the field or focus on selling unused things , renting and other real ways to earn extra income !
Additional Work Stationary and Local
Not every side job has to be remote. Sometimes it’s worth rolling up your sleeves and looking for options just around the corner. Here’s a list of proven ideas for making money from part-time work in the field – perfect for those who prefer contact with people or outdoor activities.
Examples of stationary work and local ways to earn extra money:
House/office cleaning – Start with your neighbors, advertise locally and on portals like Fixly, Booksy. Earnings: 25–40 PLN/h.
Childcare – Pick-up from school, help with homework, entertainment. Earnings: 25–45 PLN/h.
Care for the elderly/sick – Help with everyday life, shopping, meals. Earnings: 20–35 PLN/h.
Dog Walking / Pet Care – Walking, care. Earnings: 20–40 PLN/h.
Distributing leaflets / newspapers – Occasional work, usually PLN 15–25/hour.
Host / Hostess – Events, promotions. Earnings: 25–45 PLN/h.
Manual worker (warehouse, shops) – Sorting, picking. Earnings: approx. PLN 30.50/h.
Work in trade (shops, markets) – Cash register, customer assistance. Earnings: 22–35 PLN/h.
Food delivery / mobile app driver – Uber, Glovo, Bolt. You can earn up to PLN 200–350 per day with intensive work.
Taxi driver – Work via apps like Uber/Bolt or privately. Earnings: 40–70 PLN/h during rush hours, up to 400 PLN per day.
Home industry – Assembly, sewing. Rates depend on the order – from 1–2 groszy per item to several dozen złoty per project.
Handyman / minor renovations – Repairs, assembly. Earnings: 40–100 PLN/h.
Gardening services – Mowing, trimming. Earnings: 30–60 PLN/h.
Picking fruit/vegetables – Seasonal. Earnings: 150–250 PLN/day.
Tutoring – Math, language learning. Earnings: 40–80 PLN/h.
Mystery Shopper – Service Rating. Rates: 20–100 PLN per visit.
Statistician / member of the electoral commission – One-time orders. Earnings: 150–400 PLN/day.
Occasional photography – Sessions, weddings. Earnings: PLN 500–3000 per order.
Cooking / home catering – Dinners, cakes. Earnings: depending on orders, up to PLN 300–500/day.
Household appliances repairs/mechanics – Home service. Earnings: 50–150 PLN/h.
Handicraft / handmade jewelry - Local and online sales. Earnings: from a few to several hundred zlotys per day, depending on demand.
Carpentry – Furniture in your own garage. Earnings: 50–120 PLN/h.
Tailoring – Alterations, sewing. Earnings: 30–80 PLN/h.
Waiter / Bartender (weekend) – Events, restaurants. Earnings: 20–35 PLN/h + tips.
Trainer / Sports instructor - Fitness, gym. Earnings: 60–150 PLN/h.
Security guard – Events, galleries. Earnings: 20–35 PLN/h.
Help with moving – Packing, moving. Earnings: 25–50 PLN/h.
Newspaper/mail delivery – Local distribution. Earnings: 15–25 PLN/h.
Physiotherapist with travel – Home rehabilitation. Earnings: 100–200 PLN/h.
Kitchen help / dishwasher – Catering. Earnings: 20–30 PLN/h.
What should you pay attention to when choosing an additional job?
Seasonality – some jobs are only available during certain times of the year (e.g. fruit picking, holiday sales, wedding photography).
Specialist qualifications – medicine, IT, crafts, mechanics – require skills but offer higher rates.
Sanitary and regulatory requirements – cooking, care, repairs? May require certificates, approvals, insurance.
🛑 Note: Not all forms of earning money from odd jobs are free from regulation. Check whether your business is subject to sanitary regulations, ZUS, local permits or industry requirements.
For example:
Are you cooking dinner? Check SANEPID regulations.
Are you a caregiver for children? You may need a certificate of no criminal record.
Do you repair cars? Check if you need liability insurance for services.
🔍 Before you set off, it's a good idea to make sure you're not entering the minefield of regulations - because it's better to prevent than to have to explain your mistakes later.
Local additional work is a great way to combine earning money from homework, service or manual work with an active lifestyle. And since there is no shortage of options - you just need to match your skills to the needs of the market.
Frequently asked questions about making extra money
How to quickly earn 100, 500 or 1000 PLN?
This question is asked by everyone who urgently needs cash – and that’s good, because there are real ways to do it!
100 PLN per day? You can get it as:
delivery person in Glovo/Uber Eats (even in 2-3 hours),
online tutor (1–2 lessons),
copywriter (short texts commissioned on portals such as Useme),
completing surveys and micro-assignments (requires patience).
500 PLN in a week? This is more feasible:
weekend work as a waiter/bartender,
mystery shopper – several visits,
selling things you don't use (OLX, Vinted),
photo session or handmade crafts to order.
1000 PLN per month? This is already a stable, real income from:
running social media,
regular tutoring (e.g. 3 times a week),
dropshipping or affiliate marketing,
renting a room, equipment or parking space.
So it's possible. You just have to choose the method that suits your time and skills.
Is making money online safe and profitable?
Short answer: yes, but… provided that:
you use proven platforms (Upwork, Useme, Fiverr, OLX, Allegro Lokalnie),
you know who you are working with – it is worth checking the opinions and not trusting empty promises,
you have basic knowledge of how to settle income (e.g. contract for specific work, unregistered activity),
you know the data protection rules and do not give your PESEL number or bank account to “just anyone”.
Online is a great space to start, develop and test ideas – as long as you use common sense.
How to avoid fraud when working part-time?
Here's a quick security filter:
Sounds too good to be true? It probably is. Avoid offers like “make 5,000 PLN per day with no effort.”
Do not provide sensitive data at the beginning – ID number, bank account number or photos of documents are too valuable.
Never pay for a "starter package" - an honest employer does not charge any fees to future collaborators.
Check reviews about the company/client – Facebook groups, internet forums, sites like GoWork can save your skin.
Always sign a contract – even an email confirmation of the terms is better than nothing.
Earning extra money can be safe and rewarding – as long as you don’t get scammed. Be vigilant, ask, check. It’s better to ask too many times than to be sorry too few times!
The Key to Effective and Safe Earning
Earning extra money in Poland is no longer a passing fad, but the everyday life of thousands of people – students, employees, parents or retirees. The reasons are various: a larger household budget , a desire to develop , testing a business idea or simply the need to earn some extra money for a vacation or a new laptop.
And although there are plenty of opportunities today – from simple jobs, through creative activities, to digital forms of earning money online – it is worth approaching the topic wisely.
The foundation of success? Legality and knowledge
It's not enough to just find a great deal. The key is:
selecting the appropriate legal form (contract for specific work, unregistered activity, self-employed person),
understanding tax and insurance obligations ,
awareness of the consequences of errors – because incorrectly classified income may result in penalties, arrears and interest.
Sounds dry? Maybe, but in practice these are the most important steps to ensure that your additional income does not become an additional problem.
What could go wrong?
Do you have a full-time job and earn extra money on a contract basis? Or maybe you run a self-employed business and receive orders from your former employer? In both cases, there may be pitfalls related to the overlap of insurance titles.
Are you a pensioner or early retiree? Exceeding the limits may mean a reduction or suspension of benefits.
Are you a student? The PIT tax relief for young people does not cover every form of earning extra money – and not being aware of it can be costly.
That's why conscious earning money is more than just earning money. It's an investment in peace and security.
Earning extra money is more than just money
If you look through our list of examples, you'll see that earning money from a side job isn't just about patching up your budget. It's also:
learning new skills,
gaining experience,
testing yourself as an entrepreneur (e.g. through unregistered activity),
building contacts and portfolio,
turning your passion into a source of additional income.
Working part-time can be your first step towards a professional change , or even the beginning of a completely new career.
The rules are changing – you should too
The constantly evolving tax law (e.g. the Polish Deal, changes in lease settlement, new limits for sole proprietorships), growing requirements for entrepreneurs and exemptions from reliefs show one thing: you need to stay up to date .
This is why:
follow the announcements on the ZUS, MF, CEIDG websites,
check changes in PIT and ZUS before the new year,
Don't be afraid to seek help from an accountant or tax advisor.
To sum up, ways to earn extra money:
Safe and effective moonlighting is not only about choosing a cool job, but also about the whole process:
Choose the form of work that suits your situation.
Learn about tax and insurance rules.
Check if your earnings conflict with other benefits.
Take care of your development – personal, professional and financial.
It is no coincidence that the highest-earning freelancers, consultants, course sellers, and craftsmen are people who combine passion with legal, conscious action.
Let your extra work become a strategy, not an improvisation . And who knows, maybe from an additional job, it will become your permanent source of income?