The top online business in Europe are:
- Local lead generation
- Online food ordering and delivery
- Virtual assistance services
- Coaching/mentoring
- Digital marketing agency
- Content writing services
- YouTube channel monetization
- SaaS business
- Amazon FBA
- Subscription box services
Online businesses in Europe are booming because of the increase in digital adoption. Eurostat revealed that 17.1% of European businesses use websites and apps for their e-sales transactions. Consumers transitioned from buying in physical stores to online shopping. Businesses like lead generation, blog monetization, and e-commerce are becoming popular. This also includes coaching platforms, membership sites, and online communities.
Most business owners in Europe choose online operations because of lower overhead costs. They offer higher profit margins ranging from 17% to over 30%. According to Statista, e-commerce businesses in Europe average around 18% in profit margins. That's why online marketplaces in Europe, like Amazon, eBay, and Allegro, are well-known. Brick-and-mortar profit margins only net around 2% to 10%. Spocket estimates online business income to be at €500 to €50,000 ($540-$54,000).
Dominik Richter, Thomas Griesel, and Jessica Nilsson founded HelloFresh in 2011. This Berlin-based meal kit company started as a small startup hand-delivering meal packages. By 2015, they ventured into the online grocery market because of its demand. In 2023, the company achieved €7.62 billion ($8.24 billion) in annual revenue.
According to DataReportal and Statista, Europe has an 86.9% to 97.4% internet penetration rate. Active online users in Europe make up 13% of the global internet population. In fact, consumer goods and digital products sell the most in Europe. These include clothing, electronics, digital real estate, and e-learning platforms.
Tatiana James started her Amazon FBA business journey in her 20s. Her strategy focused on maximizing Amazon's vast customer base. She then expanded to multiple platforms, including Amazon's European stores and Shopify. Tatiana built an online business generating €205,500 ($222,000) monthly. The key to her success was minimizing advertising costs through social media marketing.
Becoming a top online business in Europe is doable. But, you need to choose the right business model. I know because I've been making money online for over 10 years. I pursued a business model that offers up to 95% in profit margins. The key here is to consider factors like:
While the potential for success is high, online businesses face challenges. These include intense competition, changing consumer preferences, and the need for constant innovation. That's why we'll talk about the best online businesses to start in Europe and their pros and cons. We'll also discuss the best countries for each one and the best platforms to use.
1. Local Lead Generation
Local lead generation is thriving in Europe because of its high internet penetration rate. Statista's data reveals that 91.38% of Europeans use Google Search. Sagapixel also states that 46% of all Google searches have local intent to buy. You have a high market potential for local lead generation.
This business model involves building local service websites to attract potential customers. You create niche-specific content through SEO to rank in local search results. Once your sites rank, generate leads for local businesses in specific geographic areas. Local lead generation targets high-value industries like home improvement and maintenance. Potential income ranges from €460 to €1,800 ($500 to $2,000) per site.
One of our students, Edvin from Sweden, earns €16,600 ($18,000) monthly. He quit his call center job to focus on lead generation and his dumpster rental site. Edvin closed his first-ever local lead generation client in 2016. Now, he has around 100 to 200 lead generation properties online. You can start a local lead gen business anywhere in Europe and in the world.
Advantages
Low overhead costs with high profit margin potential
Location-independent business model with remote operation
Multiple niches and scaling opportunities available
No need for physical inventory
Passive income potential
Less competition because of localized niches
Automation and systemization opportunities
Disadvantages
Requires SEO and web development knowledge
Ongoing adaptation to digital marketing changes
Best Countries To Start
Germany, France, and the UK are prime markets for local lead generation. This is because of their large populations and high internet penetration rates (93.3%-97.8%).
Top Platforms
- Google Business Profile (for local visibility)
- Callsling (call tracking, invoicing, payments)
- Ahrefs (keyword research)
2. Online Food Ordering and Delivery
Online food ordering and delivery works well in Europe, as transactions in the UK increased by 171% from January 2018 to April 2021. This data from Edison Trends reveals the convenience of ordering through smartphone apps. The COVID-19 pandemic also sped up the adoption of food delivery services. People choose food ordering platforms over traditional online stores in Europe. Companies like Deliveroo, Just Eat Takeaway, and Uber Eats dominate the market.
With this service, customers order meals from local restaurants straight to their doorstep. Consumers have more restaurant choices. They browse menus, compare prices, and place orders with a few taps. Many users appreciate the ability to track their orders in real time. According to Statista, the average revenue per user for meal delivery is €190 ($205).
Glovo started in Barcelona in 2015. It is one of Europe's favorite food delivery apps. Glovo also has broad service offerings, including groceries and other essentials. It maintained a strong market presence across Europe because of its customer-focused approach.
Advantages
High market demand and growth potential, particularly in urban areas
Scalable business model with minimal physical infrastructure needed
Multiple revenue streams (commissions, fees, subscriptions, advertising)
Rich data collection enables personalized service and optimization
Flexible operations
Disadvantages
Intense competition from established players and new entrants
Complex logistics involving time-sensitive deliveries and quality control
High operational costs including marketing, tech, and delivery personnel
Heavy reliance on third parties (restaurants, drivers, technology)
Constant customer service challenges and quality control issues
Best Countries To Start
The UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain. These countries have high digital adoption, dense urban populations, and strong food cultures.
Top Platforms
- Square for Restaurants (POS and order processing)
- Tookan (delivery tracking)
- ReviewTrackers (review management)
3. Virtual Assistance Services
Virtual assistance services are popular in Europe because businesses save up to 78% on operating costs by hiring VAs. Entrepreneur says that VA services generate significant cost savings compared to traditional in-house staff. The rise of remote work and the need for multilingual support in the EU make them an attractive option. VA services are for companies and startups looking to optimize budgets. AVirtual is a popular virtual assistant company based in South Africa. It targets UK customers and the European market.
These services entail remote administrative, technical, or creative support to clients. With this, businesses outsource tasks and increase efficiency. Many entrepreneurs and small businesses benefit from cost-effective, flexible support without geographical constraints. Near and SalaryExpert estimate the average income for VA businesses to range from €8,000 to €39,935 ($8,600 to $43,000).
European Virtual Assistant (EVA) started in Switzerland in 2024. It offers multilingual administrative support and marketing services across Europe. The agency serves a diverse clientele, from startups to large multinational corporations.
Advantages
Low startup costs
Flexible work schedule opportunities
Scalable through team building and service specialization
Multiple revenue streams through different service packages
High demand across various industries and business sizes
Disadvantages
High competition from both individual VAs and VA agencies
Income inconsistency, especially when starting out
Time zone challenges with international clients
Constant need to update skills and learn new tools
Client management and scope creep challenges
Best Countries To Start
Estonia, Portugal, and Bulgaria.Estonia offers e-Residency. Portugal has good tax benefits. Bulgaria offers low operating costs and EU market access.
Top Platforms
- Slack (team communication)
- Google Workspace (document management)
- Asana (project management)
4. Coaching/Mentoring
Online coaching and mentoring are top digital ventures in Europe, with around 30,800 coaches in Western Europe alone. According to ICF Global Coaching, this is because of a strong emphasis on professional development and work-life balance. The market benefits from EU funding, recognized certifications, and seeking guidance.
This business model offers virtual courses, workshops, and one-on-one guidance across various fields. Coaching businesses help individuals and organizations develop skills, achieve goals, and navigate challenges. They offer expertise in areas like:
Popular European coaching businesses include Tony Robbins' virtual workshops. He became famous because of his "Unleash the Power Within" events. Tony offers immersive sessions that focus on personal development. These include overcoming fears, gaining momentum, and achieving personal growth.
The pricing for coaching services varies. Henley College's research shows that the average hourly rate for personal and corporate coaching in Europe is around €168 to €300 ($180 to $320). In specific countries like the UK, executive coaching averages at €1,300 ($1,400).
Advantages
Access clients worldwide without geographical limitations
Minimal startup costs with digital tools and no physical office space needed
Freedom to set your own hours and work from anywhere
Potential to scale through group coaching, digital products, and recorded content
Leverage digital tools for better tracking, automated scheduling, and resource sharing
Disadvantages
Reliance on stable internet, quality equipment, and various software platforms
Maintaining energy and connection through screens over extended periods
More difficult to establish deep rapport and trust without in-person interaction
Increasing competition in the online coaching space across many niches
Risk of always being "on" because of global clients and digital accessibility
Best Countries To Start
The UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. They stand out because of citizens with high digital literacy and English proficiency.
Top Platforms
- Teachable (course creation and student management)
- Paperbell (client management and payment processing)
- Zoom (video sessions and group coaching)
5. Digital Marketing Agency
Digital marketing agencies are profitable online businesses in Europe, as 46.2% of companies in the UK outsource digital marketing. These agencies have experts who have experience in GDPR compliance and multilingual campaigns. Plus, IAB Europe reports a 9.8% increase in digital advertising market growth in 2022. Popular digital marketing agencies in Europe include Jellyfish and Artefact. They have worked with brands like Samsung and L'Oréal.
A digital marketing agency offers specialized online promotional services to businesses. They develop and execute digital strategies to reach target audiences. The most common digital marketing services are:
This sector benefits from the growing e-commerce market and social media usage. Digital marketing agencies also offer specialized services like AI-driven marketing. Promethean Research reveals that these agencies make around €151K ($163K) per full-time staff.
BrainDonors has been a standout digital marketing agency since 2019. It has helped over 150 international clients in the European market. The company has generated €250 million ($270 million) in revenue. BrainDonors has also partnered with major tech companies like Shopify and Google.
Advantages
Ability to expand services and client base without significant infrastructure costs
Monthly retainers and long-term contracts lead to stable income streams
Freedom to operate online and hire global talent
Opportunity to work across different industries and build varied expertise
Constant market need as businesses focus on digital presence
Disadvantages
Saturated market with many agencies competing for clients
Maintaining consistent results and managing expectations
Constant need to adapt to new platforms, algorithms, and digital trends
Requires ongoing investment in tools, software, and skilled personnel
Revenue vulnerability when major clients leave or reduce budgets
Best Countries To Start
Poland and Ukraine are popular hubs for outsourcing. They have a large pool of skilled professionals in IT and software development.
Top Platforms
- SEMrush (keyword research and competitor analysis)
- Sprout Social (social listening and engagement)
- Adobe Creative Suite (professional design tools)
6. Content Writing Services
Content writing services are lucrative in Europe because it generates 3x as many leads. Content Marketing Institute reveals that content marketing costs 62% less than traditional marketing. European businesses see tangible returns from content marketing investments.
With 24 official languages in the EU alone, businesses need specialized content services. According to CSA Research, 65% of consumers prefer content in their native language. This makes localized content marketing essential. Businesses also need expert help to create compliant content.
Content writing service businesses offer high-quality written content. These include websites, blogs, and marketing materials to clients across various industries. They help companies maintain consistent content output without managing in-house writers. Starter Story says that this model generates around €516K ($557K) in annual revenue. SEO content writing services are particularly in demand. Most businesses seek to improve their online visibility and search engine rankings.
SOHO Creative Group in Germany specializes in SEO content writing and management. The company aligns with minimalist and simple design principles. It works with clients across Germany, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.
Advantages
Minimal initial investment needed
Freedom to operate from anywhere and hire remote writers globally
Ability to grow by adding writers and expanding service offerings
Opportunity to work across various industries and content types
Growing need for quality content across digital platforms and businesses
Disadvantages
Market pressure from low-cost content mills and freelance platforms
Market pressure from low-cost content mills and freelance platforms
Difficulty in finding and keeping reliable, skilled content writers
Managing cash flow between client payments and writer compensation
Time-consuming editing processes and potential client revision requests
Best Countries To Start
Germany, France, and the UK have a strong B2B sector. Content Marketing Institute reveals that 77% of European B2B marketers use content marketing. Also, the UK has a large English content market and is an established publishing industry.
Top Platforms
- Grammarly (grammar checking and style improvement)
- Surfer SEO (content optimization and SERP analysis)
- BuzzSumo (content trends and competitor analysis)
7. YouTube Channel Monetization
YouTube channel monetization is a popular online business in Europe, as channel memberships grow 20% year after year. The region's creator economy has grown among young people. More than a quarter of Gen Z Europeans pursue content creation careers. According to YouTube Europe, over 29,000 channels have more than 100,000 subscribers. More Europeans view video content creation as a viable career path.
YouTube channel monetization entails earning money from YouTube content through various methods, like:
Top-performing niches on YouTube include finance, technology, and lifestyle content. These categories often command higher CPM rates, ranging from €14 to €19 ($16 to $20). To succeed in YouTube monetization, creators should focus on producing high-quality, engaging content. You need to build a strong subscriber base and maintain regular upload schedules.
This Redditor mentioned having a YouTube channel about immigration in Ireland. He earns a small amount even though his videos have 18k watch hours.
Sally Özcan is the creator behind the YouTube channel Sallys Welt. She earns approximately €20,000 ($18,500) per month from her YouTube activities. Sally used her channel to launch a product line, cookbooks, an online shop, and a flagship store. Her entrepreneurial efforts now support over 100 employees.
Advantages
Income from ads, sponsorships, merchandise, affiliate marketing, and memberships
Flexibility to create content in your preferred niche and style
Videos continue generating revenue long after publication
Opportunity to develop personal/business brand and expand to other platforms
Minimal initial investment needed for basic equipment and software
Disadvantages
Success relies on YouTube's changing algorithms and policies
Must reach 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours before monetization
Revenue fluctuates based on views, seasonality, and advertiser spending
Saturated platform with millions of creators competing for viewer attention
Requires significant time for planning, filming, editing, and community engagement
Best Countries To Start
Norway, Germany, and the UK stand out with CPM rates of €15-€25 ($16-$27) per thousand views. Super Chat features are successful in German and French-speaking markets.
Top Platforms
- TubeBuddy (tag optimization and competitor research)
- VidIQ (SEO analytics and channel auditing)
- Social Blade (revenue estimates and growth tracking)
8. SaaS Business
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a top online business in Europe, with 67% of EU enterprises embracing cloud services (IDC Europe). Statista's latest data shows that SaaS revenue will increase by 56.4% from 2020 to 2025. The region has a strong digital foundation that supports SaaS growth. This makes it an attractive market for cloud-based solutions and digital transformation initiatives. Key sectors in Europe's SaaS market include fintech, healthcare, and enterprise software.
SaaS companies offer cloud-based software solutions to businesses and consumers. Instead of traditional onetime software purchases, customers pay recurring fees to access applications. These businesses handle all technical aspects, including hosting, maintenance, updates, and security. Popular examples include Adyen (payments), Celonis (process mining), and UiPath (robotic process automation). Pat Walls in Starter Story reveals that SaaS businesses earn an average of €76,000 ($82,000) weekly.
This Reddit user recommends starting a SaaS business in the UK if you're planning to make money. It's because of the high minimum non-taxable thresholds. If you're planning to reinvest your profits, then he suggests starting one in Estonia.
Doctolib in France is a leading telehealth platform in Europe. It connects millions of patients with healthcare providers. The company offers services such as online appointments and video consultations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Doctolib expanded its services to include COVID-19 vaccination scheduling.
Advantages
Predictable revenue through a recurring subscription model
Scalable with minimal marginal costs per new customer
Lower initial customer acquisition costs vs. traditional software
Easy updates and maintenance across all users
Global market reach without physical presence
Disadvantages
High upfront development costs and time investment
Constant need for customer support and server maintenance
Intense competition in most SaaS verticals
Customer churn affects revenue
Security and data protection challenges
Best Countries To Start
England, Germany, France, and the Netherlands are good for SaaS businesses. These major tech hubs have seen a 35% increase in SaaS startup formations since 2021.
Top Platforms
- Mixpanel (user behavior analytics and engagement tracking)
- Intercom (customer messaging and support)
- AWS/Azure (cloud infrastructure and hosting)
9. Amazon FBA
Amazon FBA is a profitable e-commerce model in Europe, as 71% of EU internet users shop online (Eurostat). It solves cross-border logistics challenges in Europe's fragmented market. This is a lucrative model because of the high disposable income in European markets. Most e-commerce purchases come from Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Slovakia.
With this model, sellers source products and list them on Amazon. Then, Amazon handles storage, packaging, shipping, returns, and customer service. This model reduces operational complexity. That way, sellers focus on product selection and marketing.
FBA sellers in Europe can choose from retail arbitrage, wholesale, or private label. Pan-European FBA enables businesses to reach customers across marketplaces in Europe. According to Jungle Scout, new Amazon FBA sellers make around €27,000 ($30,000) yearly. Famous online stores in Europe include Anker, iHerb, and Klarstein.
One Redditor talked about the complexity of VAT rules for Amazon FBA in Europe. He recommends understanding tax compliance before starting this business.
Philipp, known as @HappyArbitrage, uses Amazon FBA in Germany. He earns €1.3 million ($1.4 million) yearly. Despite supplier restrictions and regulatory requirements, Germany's Amazon marketplace offers many opportunities. Philipp suggests understanding local regulations and maximizing wholesale for scaling your store. He also advises starting as a UG or GmbH for easier access to wholesale contracts.
Advantages
Amazon handles storage, shipping, and customer service
Access to Amazon's massive customer base and Prime members
No need for warehouse space or logistics management
Multiple international marketplaces available
Scalable business model with automated processes
Disadvantages
High competition and product saturation
Complex fee structure cutting into profit margins
Inventory storage fees and long-term storage penalties
Risk of Amazon account suspension or policy changes
Limited control over customer relationships and branding
Best Countries To Start
Germany, the UK, and Poland are optimal for Amazon FBA. Germany has Europe's largest e-commerce market. The UK has an English-language advantage and high e-commerce adoption. Poland offers lower operational costs and a strategic location for EU distribution.
Top Platforms
- Helium 10 (product research and keyword optimization)
- Xero/QuickBooks (accounting and financial management)
- Keepa (price and sales rank history tracking)
10. Subscription Box Services
Subscription box services are thriving in Europe, with an average of 3.2 subscriptions per person (Bango). Categories like beauty, food, and wellness dominate the EU market. Eco-friendly packaging and local sourcing further appeal to Europe’s sustainability-conscious audience. IMRG reveals that 27.4% of UK consumers maintain at least one subscription box service.
Subscription box services deliver curated products to customers on a recurring basis. They subscribe for a fixed fee. Plans range from monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or yearly. ICSID shares that subscription box companies earn 40% to 60% in profit margins. This translates to around €1,870 to €91,500 ($2,000 to $97,500) monthly, as per Starter Story. Popular examples include Glossybox (beauty), Gousto (meal kits), and Graze (healthy snacks).
ScrawlrBox is a leading art supplies subscription service in Europe. Its success stems from combining themed art supplies with educational content. ScrawlrBox has expanded beyond basic subscriptions to include ScrawlrZine and ScrawlrBlanks. It has built a loyal customer base following a brand refresh with Will Paterson.
Advantages
Predictable recurring revenue through regular subscriptions
Lower customer acquisition costs as subscribers provide steady income without repeated marketing expenses
Valuable customer data collection through preference tracking and purchase history, enabling personalized offerings
Opportunity to build strong brand loyalty through consistent touchpoints
Efficient inventory management because of predictable demand
Disadvantages
High initial churn rates. Customers may cancel after the novelty wears off or because of subscription fatigue
Complex logistics and fulfillment operations requiring careful coordination of sourcing, packing, and shipping
Constant pressure to maintain product quality and variety to keep subscribers engaged
Rising shipping costs and packaging expenses that affect profit margins
The challenge of managing inventory obsolescence
Best Countries To Start
The UK and Germany. The UK has a high consumer spending on subscriptions (€814 per year on average). Germany has a high number of subscriptions per person and a lower likelihood of cancellations.
Top Platforms
- Cratejoy (dedicated subscription box platform with built-in subscription management)
- Ordergroove (enterprise-level subscription optimization)
- Chargebee (subscription billing and revenue management)
11. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a growing business model in the European marketplace, with consumers showing strong online shopping preferences (BrandsGateway). These include countries like Germany, Norway, Finland, and the Netherlands. Grand View Research reveals that fashion is the most in-demand niche in Europe. It accounted for 34.1% of the total dropshipping revenue in 2023. Some famous platforms are BigBuy and Printful.
This online business entails selling products with no inventory needed. When dropshippers receive an order, they get their products from a third-party supplier. Then, the supplier ships the order to the customer. You act as a middleman and earn significant profits. Beginners earn around €480-€960 ($500-$1,000) monthly. According to Spark Shipping, profit margins range from 20% to 30%.
This Redditor found success with dropshipping on Etsy than on Shopify. He said that European sellers can make around $10,000 in sales in 3 months. His strategy centered on spending around €4-€10 ($5-$10) daily on ads.
Advantages
Low initial investment (requires no physical stocks)
Sell in multiple countries
Change product offerings, depending on market movements
Work from any location
Disadvantages
No control over the quality of the products
Lower profits because of shipping costs
Complexity of customer service
Reliance on supplier stock levels and base prices
Best Countries To Start
The UK, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland. These countries have an average revenue per user of €2,000-€3,400 ($2,130-$3,522). Top niches include fashion, electronics, media, and food.
Top Platforms
- Shopify (most popular platform for e-commerce in Europe)
- WooCommerce (highly customizable)
- Wix (good for beginners/startups)
12. Online Language Tutorial and Translation Services
Online language services are popular in Europe, as the continent held 49% of the total market share in 2021 (Statista). Many individuals avail of language tutorial and translation services because of:
This business model involves teaching someone a particular language. You can do this through one-on-one or group virtual lessons. Some tutors use platforms like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone. You can also provide translation services. This includes document translation, real-time interpretation, and more. According to EU Interpreters, you can earn around €330-€420 ($340-$440) daily. This translates to €9,900-€12,600 ($10,200-$13,000) monthly. It depends on your certifications, language of choice, and proficiency.
Babbel, founded in Berlin, Germany, is a top language-learning platform in Europe. It offers 14 different languages. The company provides live online classes, audio resources, and app lessons. Babbel started as a free app in 2008. In 2022, it generated around €247 ($256) million in revenue.
Advantages
Access to clients in different countries
Flexible working/business hours
Low startup costs
The potential for recurring income from regular students
The availability of educational and communication tools (Memrise, Skype, etc.)
Disadvantages
The need for a stable internet connection and a quiet workplace
Managing students from multiple time zones
Global competition and established service providers
Technology barriers for some students
The need to create something interesting for every lesson
Best Countries To Start
As per Vision Factory, Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg are the best ones. Germany has the largest market for English learning. Switzerland and Luxembourg are popular for translation services. These two countries have 3-4 official languages.
Top Platforms
- Google Meet (teaching/video communication platform)
- Moodle (learning management system)
- Calendly (scheduling and booking)
13. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a top online business in Europe, accounting for over 30% of the global affiliate market (Cognitive Market Research). The continent is home to over 1,900 affiliate marketing companies and services. Many businesses in the EU have adopted this strategy because it drives more sales. Plus, the rise of digital marketing has made it easier to cross-promote products. Popular affiliate networks include Partnerize, Webgains, and Tradedoubler.
Affiliate marketing is when individuals promote other businesses' products and services. Affiliates earn set commissions for every successful referral or sale. Authority Hacker reveals that marketers make €7,700 ($8,038) monthly on average. Top performers earn over €9,600 ($10,000) monthly. However, it depends on the affiliate program of the online European stores you choose.
This Redditor mentioned earning €1,900 ($2,000) monthly on average. He started doing affiliate marketing six months ago. This person maximizes niche targeting and social media marketing to drive commissions. He plans to grow his blog to increase his earnings to €4,800 ($5,000) monthly.
Advantages
Potential for passive income
Zero initial investment (only working on promotions)
Marketing multiple products and services at a time
Schedule flexibility
Disadvantages
Intense competition because of market saturation
Dependence on affiliate program policies
Need for consistent traffic generation
Unpredictable income (depending on successful sales or referrals)
Best Countries To Start
Germany, the UK, and France are profitable countries for starting affiliate marketing (mThink). These countries have a high demand for software products and digital goods.
Top Platforms
- Pretty Links Pro (formatting and tracking affiliate links)
- Google Analytics (understanding traffic sources and user behavior)
- WordPress (creating affiliate marketing websites)
14. Airbnb Arbitrage
Airbnb arbitrage is popular in Europe, as short-term rental bookings increased by 20.5% from 2022 to 2023 (Eurostat). This is because of:
Airbnb arbitrage involves leasing Airbnb properties for the long term. Business-minded individuals sublet these properties for short-term or long-term rentals. It's a great way to earn money without owning property. According to Touch Stay, Airbnb arbitrage generates 15% to 35% profit margins. However, this depends on the property type, location, occupancy rates, and pricing strategies. For example, you can make €1,677 ($1,740) monthly on average in Athens (Airbtics). In London, you can earn €39,755 ($41,200) on average yearly.
This Reddit user revealed making €11,500-€15,400 ($12K-$16K) monthly with four units. He started with €4,800 ($5,000) on his first unit and scaled after two months. He also mentioned making a real estate addendum with the building's property manager. This modified contract protects you and the landlord.
Advantages
Higher returns compared to traditional rentals
No need to own properties
Low initial costs required
The potential to start in any location
Disadvantages
Dependence on landlord approval
Regulatory challenges in some cities
Fluctuating demand
Managing the quality of service for automated processes
Best Countries To Start
United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and France. These countries have the highest percentage for occupancy rates and annual revenues. The top cities are London, the Canary Islands, Sicily, Barcelona, and Paris.
Top Platforms
- Hospitable (automates messaging, check-ins, and task management)
- Beyond Pricing (automated pricing software using real-time market data)
- TurnoverBnB (coordinates cleaning staff and maintenance scheduling)
15. Trading
Online trading is a lucrative business in Europe, with market revenue growing by 6.7% yearly (Grand View Research). The EU contributed 27.2% to the global online trading platform market in 2023. Long-running eTrading platforms in the continent include Plus500, eToro, and MetaTrader 4. These innovations have made online trading more accessible to a lot of Europeans. They boast features like copy trading, advanced charting tools, and demo accounts.
This business model entails buying and selling cryptocurrencies, stocks, and other financial products. You constantly check price trends, economic stability, and brand news. This information will help you decide on your trading strategy. Online traders in Europe make €6,200-€9,000 ($6,500-$9,300) monthly.
This Redditor, a European swing trader, started by earning only €5,700 ($6,000). He grew his portfolio to €1.15 million ($1.2 million) in eight years. This individual focuses on risk management and experimental strategies. He limits the risk to only 2% per trade.
Advantages
24/7 market access
Lower transaction costs
Diverse investment options
Buy and sell in real-time
Trading automation tools and systems
Disadvantages
High risk of financial losses (requires initial investment)
Vulnerability to hackers and cybersecurity threats
Potential for addictive behavior
Sudden market drops
Requires continuous market monitoring
Best Countries To Start
The UK, Germany, and the Netherlands are the top countries for online trading. These countries have robust financial sectors and regulatory frameworks.
Norway, Denmark, and Iceland are also top contenders. It's because of their high online banking penetration.
Top Platforms
- TradingView Pro (technical analysis and charting)
- TradeLog (trade tracking and tax reporting)
- Benzinga Pro (real-time news and market analysis)
16. Print-on-Demand Business
Print-on-demand (POD) is a top online business in Europe, with the market set to grow by 23.9% per year (Straits Research). Many Europeans are using ready-made printed products for their personal and business needs. KBV Research reveals that apparel, home decor, and accessories are the most in-demand. These include t-shirts, tote bags, wall art, and more. Spreadshirt, Printful, and Prodigi are famous print-on-demand European online stores.
POD is a business model where sellers only print products when customers order. The designs can be provided by the seller or customer. Plus, the seller holds no inventory because they outsource the printing process. POD businesses make around €1,400-€9,500 ($1,500-$9,800) monthly on average (Gelato). According to Printful, profit margins range from 20% to 60%.
AOP+ (formerly AllOverPrint) is a print-on-demand business in Europe founded by Uygar Turantekin. The business started with selling novelty shirts in London. In 2014, it started fulfilling apparel orders for other online sellers. Since then, the company has grown to serve over 10,000 Shopify and Etsy sellers.
Advantages
Low startup costs since you don't hold inventory
Flexibility in product offerings
Automation opportunities for the order-to-printing process
Serve customers globally
Reduced environmental waste
Disadvantages
Lower profit margins (limited pricing capability)
Shipping issues
Limited control over product quality
High market saturation
Supplier limitations (capabilities and equipment)
Best Countries To Start
The UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and France are prime locations for starting a POD business in the EU. These countries have a strong e-commerce infrastructure and large consumer markets. Plus, they have multiple POD suppliers.
Top Platforms
- Quickbooks (accounting and bookkeeping)
- Adobe Creative Suite (professional design creation)
- Zendesk (customer support management)
Top Online Business Success Stories in Europe
Nortembio is a Spain-based company specializing in organic, natural, and healthy products. It found success by using Amazon's Pan-European FBA program. This enabled Nortembio to streamline its inventory and fulfillment processes. José Luis Vázquez maximized Amazon FBA to expand across multiple European markets. Nortem BioGroup, Nortembio's parent company, generated €7 ($7.2) million in revenue in 2022.
OKRA is a successful SaaS product that provides data-backed predictions and suggestions. It works with six top pharmaceutical companies in Europe. As per Growjo and RocketReach, its annual revenue ranges from €4.5-€4.8 ($4.7-$5) million. OKRA was founded by Dr. Loubna Bouarfa in 2015 in Cambridge, England.
XTB (X-Trade Brokers) is a global trading platform that started as a forex broker. In 2017, it expanded to non-European markets. XTB then added CFDs, stocks, and ETFs to its product offerings. In 2024, the company reached over 1 million customers and a market capitalization of €1.5 ($1.6) billion. XTB was created by Jakub Zablocki in Warsaw, Poland in 2002.
What are the Best Online Business Niches in Europe?
Is Starting an Online Business in Europe Worth It?
Starting an online business in Europe is worth it if you choose a profitable and sustainable model. Plus, Europe has a growing digital market and high internet penetration rates. Some of the top countries in the EU are Germany, the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, and France. Its single market regulations facilitate cross-border trade. This allows businesses to easily reach customers in multiple countries.
Online businesses often require low startup costs. You'll have a lower financial risk if your online business doesn't work out. Plus, online businesses offer global reach, a flexible schedule, and higher profit margins. However, aspiring entrepreneurs should consider:
Why Start a Local Lead Generation Business in Europe
Starting a local lead generation business in Europe is profitable because over 60% of European SMEs seek an online presence. This model offers low startup costs, recurring revenue, and minimal local competition. Other online business models require initial investment and technical digital skills. These include models like Amazon FBA, online trading, and SaaS. Other businesses like YouTube channel monetization and coaching entail daily content creation. While they offer high income potential, they take most of your time.
Many online businesses struggle with market saturation and high customer acquisition costs. Local lead generation sidesteps these issues by targeting specific geographic areas and industries. This targeted approach results in higher conversion rates and lower marketing expenses. It only takes around 5 to 10 hours to build a niche website. Plus, you don't need to maintain your digital assets daily once they're ranked.
Local lead generation works by creating and optimizing online assets for local businesses. This means building websites for specific local services. Then, rank these sites on search engines like Google through organic marketing. Once they rank, start generating leads at zero cost. I know because I've been earning around 80% to 95% profit margins with local lead gen since 2014. Renting out your sites to local business owners offers around €450 to €1,900 ($500 to $2,000) per site.
