Freelancing in Europe is not limited to Upwork and Fiverr. There are less popular but much simpler platforms where you can start earning without a portfolio, complex screening, or long negotiations with clients.
This article reviews real services that operate in the EU, pay real money (not points), and are suitable for a fast start.
⚠️ Important: this is not about high income. These platforms are intended for quick, additional, or entry-level earnings — on average €300–€800 per month, depending on activity and task selection.
Platform Selection Criteria
Only platforms that meet the following conditions are included:
- available in EU countries
- no freelancer portfolio required
- simple tasks
- real payouts (PayPal / bank transfer)
Upwork, Fiverr, and contest-based marketplaces are intentionally excluded.
Main Platforms for Quick Earnings
Clickworker
Website: https://www.clickworker.com
One of the most stable microtask platforms in Europe.
Task types
- image and text classification
- short writing tasks
- data checks
- local offline tasks
Pay: on average €5–12 per hour
Payouts: PayPal
Pros
- low entry barrier
- beginner-friendly
- regular task availability
Cons
- qualification tests required
- not all tasks are time-efficient
👉 Suitable for those who need a fast start with no prior skills.
Toloka
Website: https://toloka.ai/tolokers
A microtask platform used for AI training. Often considered an alternative to Clickworker.
Task types
- data annotation
- search result evaluation
- simple online actions
Pay: €3–8 per hour (task-based)
Payouts: PayPal / Payoneer
Pros
- immediate start possible
- minimal requirements
Cons
- low pay rates
- tasks must be carefully filtered
👉 Realistically useful only as a temporary or supplementary income source.
Appen
Website: https://www.appen.com
An international company providing AI training and evaluation projects.
Task types
- search and ad evaluation
- data annotation
- language-related projects
Pay: €8–14 per hour (project-based)
Payouts: bank transfer / PayPal
Pros
- projects lasting weeks or months
- formal contracts
Cons
- not an instant start
- lengthy onboarding
👉 Suitable for those looking for more stability rather than one-off tasks.
TELUS International AI (formerly Lionbridge)
Website: https://www.telusinternational.com
One of the most reliable employers in AI evaluation.
Task types
- website and content evaluation
- localization
- language rating
Pay: €10–15 per hour
Pros
- strong demand for European languages
- official payments
Cons
- strict qualification exams
- possible gaps between projects
UserCrowd
Website: https://usercrowd.com
A UX testing platform for websites and apps.
Task types
- answering usability questions
- demonstrating how you use a website
Pay: €8–12 per test (5–10 minutes)
Payouts: PayPal
Pros
- high pay for short tasks
- no experience required
Cons
- tasks are not always available
Streetspotr
Website: https://www.streetspotr.com
A mobile platform offering offline tasks.
Task types
- storefront photos
- in-store checks
- local field missions
Pay: €5–20 per task
Pros
- ideal for city residents
- minimal online competition
Cons
- location-dependent
- not fully remote
Platform Comparison Table
| Platform | Task Type | Pay | Entry Barrier | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clickworker | Microtasks | €5–12/hr | Low | Beginners |
| Toloka | Microtasks | €3–8/hr | Very low | Temporary income |
| Appen | AI projects | €8–14/hr | Medium | Stability |
| TELUS AI | Evaluation / languages | €10–15/hr | High | EU language skills |
| UserCrowd | UX tests | €8–12/test | Low | Quick tasks |
| Streetspotr | Offline tasks | €5–20/task | Low | City residents |
Realistic Earning Strategy
- Register on 3–4 platforms at once
- Complete all qualification tests during the first week
- Eliminate tasks with poor time-to-pay ratios
- Use microtasks as an entry point, not a long-term goal
👉 Typical results:
- €300–600 per month without specific skills
- €800+ per month with consistent, focused work
Conclusion
Microtask platforms are not a replacement for full-scale freelancing, but they are a functional entry point into online income in Germany and the EU. They are suitable for people who:
- are just starting out
- want additional income
- prefer to avoid oversaturated freelance marketplaces
The key is to track your time and avoid working for the illusion of income.
