As a new immigrant to the UK, you are still learning about the British culture and way of life. However, a lack of finances can compromise your experience. That is why you should explore opportunities in the form of side hustles.
At Remitly, we offer more than just financial services for immigrants in the UK. We also seek to make your stay enjoyable by providing helpful information about the top side hustles for extra cash.
The benefits of side hustles in the UK
Side hustles offer many benefits for both the immigrant community and the locals. Finding work on the side can help you build a professional network, make friends, and earn some extra money. Here are a few benefits we see with side hustles.
Financial stability
Part-time jobs offer an extra stream of income, which can help with personal expenses or savings for long-term goals. These side hustles can also give a sense of job security, especially given the uncertainty in some industries.
Additionally, side hustles are a good way to earn money if you have a visa with restrictions on full-time employment.
Entrepreneurial experience
As an immigrant with the mindset of an entrepreneur, part-time hustles give you a low-risk entry point into the UK business environment. You get firsthand experience in things like selling products online or providing services. You can also learn about essential parts of the working world, like licences and business registration.
Cultural and social integration
Side hustles involving interaction with locals make it easy for you to learn about British culture. They also allow locals to learn more about you and your culture. This can be a good way to build social connections and improve language skills.
Economic growth
Some side hustles require immigrants to pay taxes, which helps build the economy. Immigrants can also use money from their part-time work to start small businesses in the UK, thus creating more job opportunities and generating revenue for the country.
Freelancing Job Opportunities for Migrants in the UK
Advances in technology have made it possible for people to complete different tasks online, which provides migrants the opportunity to start freelancing.
An upside to this type of work is that you get to choose projects according to your skills and interests. Some high-demand skills include graphic design, marketing, programming, writing, and virtual assistance.
Companies hire online employees to make things more effective and economical. For instance, a company without an in-house marketing team can outsource the work for a fraction of the cost. This way, the company won’t have to deal with expenses such as office space and electricity bills.
Online platforms enable you to work with local and international clients. That means you can continue with your full-time job while using your free time to work on various projects for a company—or multiple companies—across the globe.
Some online platforms simplify job searches, while others offer jobs directly. You’ll need to do some digging to find the most suitable offer for your credentials. Here are a few platforms to help you get started:
- Craigslist: The site allows employers to list their projects and attract talent worldwide. You can narrow down your search according to the type of work you want and your region. It offers different job categories, including writing, editing, translation, virtual assistance, and web development.
- Indeed: The site makes it easy for you to find jobs without leaving the comfort of your home. It also lets you search for work by type and location. You can use the site without a fee, which is an added advantage for job seekers.
- Upwork: It is slightly different from Craigslist and Indeed. It mainly lists digital jobs, which include writing, editing, translation, web design, graphic design, and AI training. You’ll need to open an account on the platform before submitting bids to potential employers.
- Fiverr: The site has been around for over a decade. It connects companies with talent from across the globe. Like Upwork, you’ll need to open an account on the platform, create a professional profile, and start bidding on projects. Employers scouting for talent can also view your profile and reach out if you are a good fit.
- Deliveroo and Uber Eats: If you have a personal mode of transport to get you around the city quickly, you can apply to deliver for Deliveroo or Uber Eats.
To succeed as a freelancer, consistently producing top-quality results is essential. You’ll also have to keep yourself up-to-date with the latest trends in your industry. You are competing with talent from around the world, which means you should show that you have an edge to stand out.
Tutoring andTeaching for Extra Income in the UK
Tutoring and teaching can be another way for an immigrant to make extra cash. If you are confident in a certain subject or possess special skills, you can teach others for a fee.
Some subjects you can teach include mathematics, geography, physics, chemistry, and language. Additional niche skills you can teach include graphic design, coding, and photography.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best platforms to sign up for if you want this type of work:
- Preply: This is a popular site for online language learning. Becoming a Preply tutor is a fast application process, and you don’t need language teaching experience. It also includes resources such as videos and articles that make it easy for you to become a better tutor. Plus, the amount you make is based on how many classes you book—so the better you teach, the more you’ll book.
- Italki: This is a good option for UK immigrants who wish to teach their native language to students worldwide. All you have to do is create an account and follow the instructions to get started. The platform has tutors for languages including English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic.
- Tutor.com: The demand for academic teachers has always been high. That is why sites like Tutor.com connect students with teachers remotely. Unlike the previously mentioned sites, academic teaching sites require you to prove that you are qualified for the job. With Tutor.com and other academic teaching platforms, you’ll have to go through a verification process, which often includes sharing your official transcripts and taking a test. Once approved, you can teach science, mathematics, history, literature, coding, and engineering.
E-commerce or Online Selling Side Hustles in the UK
E-commerce or online selling is one of the most flexible side hustles for immigrants in the UK. It can be done anywhere and at any time. All you have to do is create an account on one of the popular online platforms and market your products.
You can sell electronics, jewellery, clothing, shoes, and beauty products. Even if you are not producing anything, you can source popular items from manufacturers and sell them at retail prices, making it possible for you to earn a profit.
The key to success in this side job is aggressive marketing. You should also build a reputation as a reliable seller. That means delivering products on time and ensuring they are in good condition.
Here are some of the platforms you can use to sell:
- Amazon: This is arguably one of the most popular online platforms for selling products. It allows sellers to list new and used items under different categories. You’ll find a suitable niche regardless of what you are selling. You can sign up and start selling for free. However, you’ll have to subscribe to Amazon Prime if you want your products to get more publicity and possibly increase sales.
- eBay: This marketplace is similar to Amazon. You can sign up and use it to sell electronics, collectables, apparel, jewellery, kitchenware, gifts, appliances, and shoes.
- AliExpress: This platform slightly differs from the first two because it allows you to set up a dropshipping business. That means you don’t have to keep stock of anything. Instead, all you have to do is market products, and when you get an order, you send the details to a relevant supplier who fulfills it. Dropshipping can be quite effective because you spend most of your time marketing and processing order requests rather than handling physical products. Additionally, you won’t have to deal with expenses such as warehouse costs.
Pet or Animal-Related Side Jobs in the UK
If you move to the UK and love animals, you can easily turn your passion into a side hustle. It’s common for people to look for a pet sitter for when they go on vacation or even if they’re at work all day and want someone to check in on their furry companion.
Below are examples of pet care jobs you can find:
- Pet sitting: Pet owners may have to leave their pets alone all day while they are at work or for a longer period of time when they go on a business trip or vacation. Travelling with their pets is difficult, so pet owners prefer leaving them in the care of a pet sitter. Some owners will require you to look after their animals at home, while others will let you take the pets to your place.
- Dog walking: Some dog owners cannot take their dogs out for walks during the work day. This presents a good opportunity for immigrants in the UK to make extra income. You can advertise your services on social media and other platforms so dog owners can easily. You can also visit websites listing local gigs to find a dog-walking job.
- Animal care: Another side hustle you can get into is animal care or grooming. This may include being available to feed animals or bathe and groom dogs and cats.
Websites like Rover.com are great for you to start pet sitting, dog walking and more.
Crafting and Handmade Products
If you have a talent for crafting or making things by hand, you can use it to start a business in the UK. This can also be an excellent way to share part of your culture with others in the country.
Knitting, painting, and creating home decor items are some of the ideas you can explore. We suggest marketing your products through social media platforms, as this is usually the easiest way to find new customers.
You can also post your items on e-commerce platforms.
Content Creation for Immigrants in the UK
Content creation is another side job anyone can get into regardless of age and gender. Several platforms allow you to monetise your content depending on the number of views you get.
Here are some of the platforms you should consider:
- YouTube: Anyone can create an account on the platform and become a creator. You do not have to be an experienced filmmaker, singer, or talented comedian to be successful. Instead, you just need to find something that works for your audience. Your channel can showcase anything from dancing and cooking to pets, beauty products, or travel destinations.
- TikTok: This is another popular platform you can join to become a creator and monetise your content. The amount you make depends on the number of followers and views you get every month. You can create any type of content on the platform, so long as it adheres to its rules and regulations.
- Blogs: If you are a passionate writer, you can start your blog and share written content. This could be especially fun as an immigrant because you can start a blog reflecting your experience and interests. This is a win-win because you will enjoy creating content while earning a passive income.
Wrapping Up
The above-detailed side hustles allow you to create multiple streams of income. This can be a good way to boost your financial status. They also help you acquire experience and new skills as an immigrant settling in the UK.
FAQs
What are the best side hustles for immigrants in the UK?
Popular options include freelance work (writing, graphic design, programming), food delivery, online tutoring, and e-commerce (dropshipping or selling on Etsy/eBay).
Do I need a specific visa to start a side hustle in the UK?
It depends on your visa type. Some vistas, like the Skilled Worker visa, may restrict self-employment. Always check the Home Office guidelines before starting.
What side hustles require minimal investment to start?
Online tutoring, freelancing, virtual assistance, and reselling items online need little to no upfront investment, making them ideal for newcomers.
How can I find clients or customers for my side hustle?
Use platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and LinkedIn for freelancing, Deliveroo or Uber Eats for gig work, and social media or marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace for selling products.