🧩 Micro-SaaS (a small software product)
A small subscription tool solving one problem for a specific group — only if you can build or buy the build.
Modelled monthly, once steady
€0 – €1,500
Capital
from €100 (typical €2,000)
Your time
200h to set up, ~20h a month
Time to income
first ~4 mo · steady ~18 mo
The assumptions behind that range
- 10–100 paying customers at €10–€30 a month after 12–18 months.
- Minus hosting and tools of €20–€150 a month.
- Most small software products do not reach 10 customers.
A model, not a promise. Your result can be lower, including zero.
First three steps
- Find 10 people with the problem and ask what they use now
- Pre-sell or get 3 people to commit to pay
- Build the smallest version that solves it
Before you start
- GDPR: a privacy policy, a processor agreement for customer data.
- EU VAT on digital services to consumers.
Risks
- Building something nobody pays for — sell before you build.
- Support and bugs make it less passive than it looks.
Irish tax
Declaring side income as a PAYE worker (2026). Side income is taxable from the first euro. If your net non-PAYE income is under €5,000 (and gross under €30,000) you can declare it on Form 12 through myAccount. At €5,000 net or more you are a “chargeable person” and must register for self-assessment and file Form 11 by 31 October. Source · reviewed 2026-09-25
VAT registration thresholds (2026). You must register for VAT once turnover exceeds, or is likely to exceed, €42,500 a year for services or €85,000 for goods. Source · reviewed 2026-09-25