Moving to a new country comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to finding a stable income source. For expats in the UK, making money from home or online is an excellent way to support yourself financially. With countless opportunities available, this guide focuses on how to earn money online in the UK and highlights real ways to make money from home in the UK.
Freelancing
Online tutoring
Profee referral programme
Selling products online
Blogging or vlogging
Online surveys
Freelancing
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour provide a space for individuals to connect with clients worldwide. Whether you’re a graphic designer, writer or programmer wondering how to make money online in the UK, there’s a high demand for skilled freelancers in today’s gig economy.
How it works
- Create a freelancing platform profile highlighting your skills, previous work experience, and client reviews.
- Apply for jobs in your niche or offer services through customized packages.
Why it’s great for expats
Freelancing allows you to work from anywhere. If you want to spend your working day out of the city, here's where you can go from London for a one-day trip.
Pro tip
Focus on building a niche in your expertise to stand out. For instance, specialise in ecommerce copywriting or logo design for small businesses to make more money online in the UK.
Online tutoring
How to make money from home in the UK if freelancing is not for you? Try tutoring!
How it works
- Sign up on a tutoring platform like Tutorful, Preply, and iTalki, set your rates, and outline the subjects or skills you can teach.
- Offer one-on-one or group lessons via video calls.
- Expand your client base by gathering positive reviews and secure your chances of earning stable online in the UK.
Why it’s great for expats
Many tutoring platforms don’t require you to have formal teaching qualifications; expertise and fluency in the subject are enough.
Pro tip
To make more money online in the UK, tailor your offerings to high-demand areas, such as English language tutoring or maths support for GCSE students.
Profee referral programme
How to earn money online in the UK easily? Through Profee referral programme.
How it works
- Sign up for Profee and access your unique referral link.
- Share your link via email, social media, or messaging apps.
- Wait until your pick makes a transfer of £80 (€100) or more.
- Earn £8 (€10) for you and £4 (€5) for your friend, with no limits on the number of people you can invite.
Why it’s great for expats
You’re an expat living abroad and in constant need to send money back home. Why not gain from it as well? It’s a chance for you to make beneficial transfers with no hidden fees, share it with your friends and make lives for those around you (including yourself) stress-free. In one sentence, It’s one of the most convenient real ways to make money from home in the UK.
Pro tip
When sharing your referral link, highlight the platform's benefits—such as competitive exchange rates or low fees—to encourage more sign-ups.
Selling products online
How to earn money online in the UK if you’re great at crafting or have a whole wardrobe of clothes you never really wear? Platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon can help you reach a global audience.
How it works
- Decide what you want to sell.
- Use an e-commerce platform to set up your store and manage transactions. There, you can search for FAQs to get the whole idea of how to make money from home in the UK by selling products.
- Market your products through social media or paid ads to attract more customers.
- To receive money, you must open a local bank account first. Read about the best UK banking apps in our article.
Why it’s great for expats
Selling online eliminates the need for physical storefronts, allowing you to operate from home.
Pro tip
Research trends in your niche to identify what’s in demand. For instance, eco-friendly products or personalised gifts are currently popular among UK consumers. Online earning in the UK requires strategic thinking, so stay in the trend and plan ahead.
Blogging or vlogging
Camera is your best friend and you’re looking for the real ways to make money from home in the UK? Then, starting a blog or YouTube channel can eventually become a lucrative source of income. From travel and cooking to parenting and fitness, there’s an audience for virtually every niche.
How it works
- Choose a topic you’re passionate about and create regular, high-quality content.
- Monetize your platform through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or ad revenue from platforms like Google AdSense or YouTube Partner Program.
Why it’s great for expats
It allows you to showcase your unique perspective as an expat. Unfortunately, you won’t become a 1-million blogger in one night, but with high-quality videos, you may gain enough followers to never think about how to earn money online in the UK again.
Pro tip
Consistency is key. Post regularly and focus on building a loyal audience before monetizing your platform.
Online surveys
For those looking for quick and easy ways to make money online in the UK, participating in online surveys or market research is a simple solution. Companies value consumer opinions and are willing to pay for your time and feedback.
How it works
- Sign up for platforms like Swagbucks, Toluna, or Prolific to start taking surveys.
- Earn points or cash for completing surveys, participating in focus groups, or testing products.
- Redeem your earnings through gift cards, PayPal, or direct deposits.
Why it’s great for expats
Online surveys require no specific skills or qualifications, so they are accessible to everyone who wants to start making money from home in the UK.
Pro tip
Focus on survey sites with high payouts and reliable payment options to use the whole potential of this approach to online earnings in the UK.
Final thoughts
For expats in the UK, making money from home is an excellent way to gain financial independence. By exploring these opportunities, you can discover how to make money online in the UK while building a sustainable and rewarding income stream.