Making money from home relies on activities with very different returns. Some generate a one-time supplement, while others can become a regular source of income under the micro-entrepreneur status. The revenue caps for micro-enterprises have been raised as of January 1, 2026, which expands the leeway for developing an activity from home without changing tax regimes.
This ranking compares ten concrete avenues based on their accessibility, setup time, and expected type of income.
1. Sell web writing services on Malt or ComeUp
Web writing remains one of the most sought-after freelance skills at home. Platforms like Malt or ComeUp allow you to offer services without direct outreach. The entry barrier is low: a computer, an internet connection, and a portfolio of a few texts are enough to get started.
Rates vary significantly depending on specialization. An SEO writer focused on a technical niche (health, finance, legal) charges significantly more than a generalist. Understanding how to make money from home with Monetyk also involves this type of targeted positioning.
2. Respond to paid surveys via Toluna or Swagbucks
Paid surveys represent the most accessible home income. No technical skills required, free registration, first tasks in just a few minutes. However, the payment per survey remains very low, often just a few cents to a few euros per completed questionnaire.
This activity is suitable for a marginal supplement. It cannot constitute a primary income, but it has the advantage of requiring no initial investment or tax declaration as long as amounts remain below declaration thresholds.
3. Test websites and applications on UserTesting
Interface testing (websites, mobile applications) is better paid than surveys. Each session typically lasts about twenty minutes, and the payment per test is more substantial. The downside: available tasks depend on demographic profile and language, which limits volume for French speakers.
This type of task requires verbalizing your user journey aloud, which implies having a decent microphone and a quiet environment. The regularity of income directly depends on the number of tests offered.
4. Sell second-hand items on Vinted or Leboncoin
Reselling personal items does not require any status as long as it involves second-hand goods sold at a loss compared to their purchase price. Vinted, Leboncoin, or Facebook Marketplace allow you to post ads for free.
To go beyond simple decluttering and make it a recurring activity (buy-resell), a micro-entrepreneur status becomes mandatory. It is then necessary to distinguish between revenue and actual profit, as social charges apply to revenue, not to the margin.
5. Create an online store through dropshipping
Dropshipping allows you to sell products without managing stock. The supplier ships directly to the end customer. Online store creation tools (Shopify, WooCommerce) make setup quick.
The customer acquisition cost is the real expense item. Advertising on social media (Facebook Ads, TikTok Ads) often represents the majority of the budget. Without mastery of digital marketing, margins can be absorbed by advertising costs.
6. Offer online tutoring via Superprof
Online tutoring works for any teachable skill: languages, mathematics, music, coding. Platforms like Superprof connect students and tutors, with the possibility to set your own hourly rate.
The advantage over other home activities: billing is done by the hour, income is predictable, and word-of-mouth can generate recurring students without relying on the platform in the long term.
7. Monetize a blog or YouTube channel through affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing involves recommending products via trackable links and earning a commission on each sale generated. This model requires a significant time investment before producing results: creating content, building an audience, gaining visibility on search engines.
Affiliate income takes several months to materialize. Profitability depends on niche selection, traffic volume, and conversion rate. It is a long-term model, not an immediate income.
8. Become a virtual assistant for entrepreneurs
Virtual assistance encompasses various tasks: email management, agenda planning, social media moderation, data entry. Entrepreneurs and small businesses outsource these tasks to focus on their core business.
This type of task can be found on freelance platforms or through direct contact. The required skills are often transversal:
- Proficiency in office and communication tools (Google Workspace, Slack, Trello)
- Ability to organize and manage priorities remotely
- Writing skills for professional correspondence
9. Sell handmade creations on Etsy
Etsy remains the go-to platform for creators of handmade items: jewelry, candles, leather goods, sewing, pottery. Differentiation through artisanal know-how justifies higher margins than reselling standard items.
The micro-entrepreneur status applies from the first sale of an original creation. Platform fees (commission per sale, listing fees) must be included in the sale price calculation to maintain profitability.
10. Rent out unused space in your home
Beyond seasonal rentals like Airbnb, it is possible to rent out a garage, a parking space, or storage space. This passive income requires very little daily management once the ad is published.
Profitability directly depends on location. In densely populated urban areas, a simple parking space can generate a regular monthly supplement. Rental income is still subject to tax declaration, even for small amounts.
| Activity | Initial Investment | Time Before Income | Required Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paid surveys | None | Immediate | None (below threshold) |
| Reselling personal items | None | Few days | None (selling at a loss) |
| Freelance web writing | Low | Few weeks | Micro-entrepreneur |
| Online tutoring | Low | Few weeks | Micro-entrepreneur |
| Website testing | None | Few days | None (below threshold) |
| Dropshipping | Medium (advertising) | Several weeks | Micro-entrepreneur |
| Virtual assistance | Low | Few weeks | Micro-entrepreneur |
| Blog/YouTube affiliate | Low | Several months | Micro-entrepreneur |
| Handmade sales on Etsy | Medium (materials) | Few weeks | Micro-entrepreneur |
| Space rental | None | Few days | Property declaration |
The choice between these ten avenues depends on available time and financial goals. Activities with immediate income (surveys, reselling) quickly plateau. Those requiring skill development (writing, affiliate marketing, crafting) offer more sustainable income progression, provided that tax obligations related to micro-entrepreneur status are respected.