50 Ways to Increase Your Income in 2026: From Zero to Passive

The pursuit of supplementing income has never been more present in the lives of Brazilians. Whether to escape unemployment, build a side business, or simply have more financial freedom, opportunities have exploded in recent years. The digital revolution and the expansion of remote work have created an unprecedented scenario: today you can earn income without leaving home, often without spending a dime at the start.

We have gathered here 50 practical and accessible strategies, designed for beginners up to those with experience. The key difference? We organized them by clear logic — starting with the easiest and scaling up to the most profitable.

Quick Strategies to Start Now (No Investment)

1. Respond to paid surveys

This is the classic entry point. Companies need to validate products and compensate respondents. Platforms like King Opinion, Toluna, and LifePoints require nothing but your time — transfers via PayPal or Pix are regular.

2. Work as a specialized freelancer

Writing, video editing, translation, programming, design — if you master something, the market is abundant. Workana, 99Freelas, and content agencies hire professionals daily. Flexibility is maximum.

3. Be an affiliate on social media

Promoting third-party products and earning commissions is the simplest formula in affiliate marketing. It works especially well if you have an audience on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube — even micro-influencers earn consistently.

4. Create and monetize digital content

E-books, online courses, mentoring — the demand for digital learning keeps growing. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel; just package your existing knowledge clearly and didactically.

5. Manage social media for small businesses

Social media management is a service that almost every entrepreneur needs, but not all have the budget for an agency. Starting with your own portfolio and local clients is totally feasible.

6. Master the art of persuasion through texts

Well-done copywriting sells — whether a product, a service, or even an idea. Experts in persuasive writing charge well for landing pages, email sequences, and digital ads.

7. Monetize a video channel

YouTube offers various income sources: ads, brand partnerships, affiliate links, own products. It requires consistency, but the potential is exponential.

8. Sell photographs to stock image sites

Shutterstock, iStock, and similar platforms buy photos constantly. You don’t need to be a professional — well-composed images of everyday themes find buyers.

9. Be a remote virtual assistant

Managing emails, organizing schedules, handling administrative tasks — freelancers and small companies outsource more and more. The work is 100% remote.

10. Develop and sell websites

Every company wants an online presence. Those skilled in WordPress, HTML, or no-code tools have a queue of clients waiting.

Ideas Focused on What to Sell: From Own to Imported Products

11. Start a specialized online store

Niche is everything in modern e-commerce. A store focused on a specific type of product converts much more than a generic one.

12. Do international dropshipping

Importing via dropshipping eliminates stock issues — you sell and outsource delivery. It requires organization, but the financial risk is minimal.

13. Sell on Mercado Livre

Works as a laboratory: you learn e-commerce dynamics while validating products with real demand.

14. Resell established brands

Avon, Natura, Eudora, and O Boticário offer competitive commissions with structured support. Purely online sales are also possible.

15. Create an online thrift shop

Sustainable fashion has exploded. Platforms like Enjoei and Repassa handle logistics, and you profit.

16. Produce and sell artisanal foods

Baking, gourmet brigadeiros, fitness food — the market for personalized foods heats up especially during holidays.

17. Make homemade chocolates on order

Especially profitable around Easter. Your own brand and professional presentation turn a homemade recipe into a business.

18. Produce personalized souvenirs

Corporate events and celebrations constantly demand customized and creative items.

19. Invest in microfranchises

Less initial capital, ready-made business model, and franchise support — drastically reduces risk for beginner entrepreneurs.

20. Rent equipment and utensils

Machines, inflatable toys, tableware for events — seasonal and one-time demand items generate interesting income.

Monetize Knowledge and Specialized Skills

21. Give private or online lessons

Languages, tutoring, music, programming — there’s always demand for personalized teaching.

22. Offer specialized consulting

Companies and freelancers pay well for guidance from someone who masters a subject.

23. Work as a coach

Despite competition, specific niches (career, financial, relationships) maintain high demand.

24. Create digital art and graphic design

Social media needs visual content; e-books need covers; ads need creativity.

25. Professionally edit videos

Video content has grown exponentially and will continue. Skilled editors are always in short supply.

26. Work as an illustrator

Illustrations add value to digital and print products — from e-books to packaging.

27. Develop games

A technical area, yes, but profitability is significant if you succeed with the audience.

28. Offer technical design services (CAD)

Architects, construction companies, and engineers constantly need it — work is 100% remote.

29. Be a virtual or in-person personal trainer

Online classes exploded. Personalized training keeps clients loyal and justifies high prices.

30. Teach dance classes

Can be done from home via live streaming or in local group settings.

Practical Services with High Local Demand

31. Pet-sitting and dog-walking

Pet owners pay well for responsible care while they travel.

32. Child or elderly caregiver

Essential service, high demand, requires trust — dedicated professionals can get recurring clients.

33. Home repairs and maintenance

Electrical, plumbing, small renovations — reliable artisans are scarce.

34. Massage and body therapies

Quick courses in massage therapy or reflexology allow you to start quickly.

35. Beauty services (nails, eyelashes, eyebrows)

Highly profitable per client. Can be done at home with minimal initial investment.

36. Personal stylist and image consulting

Online consulting has grown — clients pay well for an appearance aligned with their personality.

37. Professional makeup and self-makeup courses

Recurring service, well-paid, combines service provision with education.

38. Virtual concierge

Handle busy clients’ daily tasks: schedule, research, coordinate various errands.

39. Event planner and organizer

High added value, built through networking and an impressive visual portfolio.

40. Travel agent with commissions

Platforms and agencies pay commissions on packages sold — specializing in specific niches helps.

Use Existing Assets and Networks to Earn

41. Rent out part of your property (room, garage, entire house)

Airbnb democratized short-term rentals. Even an extra room can generate passive income.

42. Refer properties for rent

QuintoAndar and similar platforms pay commissions for successful referrals — leverage your network.

43. Grow and sell organic products

Demand for healthy, local food is expanding — a garden can turn into a business.

44. Remote telemarketing

Still hiring for home office — sales volume determines income.

45. Influence marketing and brand partnerships

Even with a small audience, brands seek micro-influencers with a well-defined niche.

46. Create sponsored content

Paid posts, videos, and reviews — demand is growing, especially in niches like technology and lifestyle.

47. Assist with income tax declaration

Seasonal service (starts in February), but very profitable for those with knowledge.

48. Produce and sell crafts

Handmade products have a much higher perceived value — platforms like Elo7 facilitate sales.

49. Work as an referral agent

Earn commissions by connecting the right people with the right services — leverage your relationships.

50. Invest in fixed income, stocks, real estate funds, and ETFs

Real passive income comes from money working for you long-term — diversification is key.

Next Step: From Extra to Exponential

Earning extra money is important, but the real differential is learning to make that money grow. After increasing your income through additional work, the next strategic step is to invest in a disciplined manner.

Diversify among fixed income, stocks, real estate funds, and ETFs — including international markets — turning one-time gains into lasting wealth. Accessible investment platforms allow you to start small and gain exposure to global markets according to your risk profile.

Investing isn’t about quick promises or shortcuts. It’s about discipline, consistent planning, and future vision. Those who combine today’s extra income with smart investing will be financially free in a few years.