Start an online language tutoring business from home

Adult learners, parents of school-age children, and professionals who need a language for work or travel.

An hourly rate per lesson, often with discounts for blocks of lessons paid in advance. Small groups can raise what you earn per hour.

• Fluent in the language you teach
• Patient, clear explanations
• Lesson planning
• Comfortable with video calls

• Register as a sole trader with HMRC once you start earning
• Teaching children: check whether parents or platforms expect a DBS check, and agree safeguarding rules for online lessons
• Copyright: do not copy textbook material to share with learners without checking permission
• Consider professional indemnity or public liability insurance
• Check your landlord's or lender's rules if you work from home

Startup costs are typically around £100 to £800, depending on your equipment, teaching materials and any insurance you choose. These are estimates, so list what you already own, such as a laptop and webcam, before you budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on how many learners you teach, your lesson prices and whether you teach one-to-one or in groups. Treat this as an estimate, and allow for expenses and tax.

Check that you register as a sole trader with HMRC once you start earning. If you teach children, check whether parents or platforms expect a DBS check and agree safeguarding rules. Also check textbook copyright and consider professional indemnity or public liability insurance.