28 Game-Changing Profitable Franchise Business Opportunities in India

The franchise industry in India has been witnessing significant growth, with over 300 new franchise companies starting up every year. According to industry statistics, the Indian franchise business is expected to reach USD 140-150 billion in the next five years. Multi-unit franchisees account for 53% of all franchises in the country.

The franchise market in India is projected to surpass INR 15,000 crore by 2025.

The franchise business model has become a popular choice for brands looking to expand their operations in India, and there are numerous low-cost franchise opportunities available in the market. With its large consumer base, India offers immense potential for profitable franchise businesses, benefiting both franchisors and franchisees.

Currently, there are around 4,600 active franchisors operating across various sectors in India.

Many successful entrepreneurs have opted for the franchise model, which has enabled them to achieve their business goals and build thriving enterprises.

Starting a small business franchise is a great way for new entrepreneurs to enter the market with an established brand and proven business model. If you're wondering which franchises offer the most profitable returns, you may find it helpful to explore the 28 most profitable franchise options available in India, as outlined in our post.

What is a Franchise Business?
How to Select the Best Franchise?
Best Low-Cost Franchise Business Opportunities in India
Top 28 Highly Profitable Franchise Business Opportunities in India

What is a Franchise Business?

Ever wondered why there are so many foreign brands in the Indian market? The answer is a franchise business. It is one of the primary channels through which international businesses and brands have gained strength in the Indian market.

A franchise business is a type of business model in which an individual or company (known as the franchisor) grants the rights to use their business name, products, and services to another individual or company (known as the franchisee) in exchange for a fee and ongoing royalties.

The profits of owning and selling a franchise go both ways; the franchisor and franchisee reap benefits. Once the franchisee gets access to the brand’s loyal consumer base, creative support, legal counsel, and training support, the franchisor can further expand the business in untapped markets, increasing market share and revenues.

Before stepping into this model, it’s essential that investors and businesses thoroughly research their potential business partners before signing the dotted line. For investors, it is probably safer to stick to established names and brands.

There is a rumor that the franchise model requires a huge investment. Let's clear this misconception. Franchising is the most profitable and feasible form of business opportunity; one needs to know how to obtain a franchise. You can easily start a franchise for INR 1 lakh.

How to Select the Best Franchise?

Before joining this franchise world, one must conduct a thorough study to determine which franchise is most suited to their needs.

• Focus on your Aims: A person must have a crystal-clear idea of the kind of industry they want to join. These franchises operate in various industries, such as food, apparel, services, cosmetics, etc. So the person must select the franchise as per his/her interest.
• Infrastructure Investment: This is also a key factor when selecting a franchise. These best franchises require standard infrastructure investment, which is non-negotiable. So, a person has to keep this in mind while selecting a particular franchise. It is suggested that beginners should opt for smaller franchises that require less investment and very minimal operational costs.  
• Backup for Operations: Like in many other businesses, franchise businesses take time before making a profit. No matter how big a franchise one opts for, one should keep a financial backing of at least 6 months if one wants to excel well in this domain.
• Use of Technology: To optimize operations and engage customers, automate marketing, use inventory software, and employ CRM tools.
• Consider Profitability: Choose a franchise with high profit margins plus repeat business potential. Another factor that one must consider is controlled operational costs. High sales numbers can be less valuable than sustainable growth.

Best Profitable Franchise Business Opportunities in India

It will be fascinating to see how the franchise industry does financially as we progress in this field. Some names have already become bigger brands in India's franchise industry, and they control a major share of the market. Here are listed some of the most profitable Franchise Business Opportunities in India:

Profitable Franchise to apply for:

Top 28 Profitable Franchise Business Opportunities in India

Tumbledry

Gaurav Nigam and Navin Chawla started Tumbledry in 2019 with the goal of bringing order to India's disorganized laundry industry. The market for laundry services in India has expanded considerably in recent years and is now expected to be worth more than INR 20,000 crores by the end of 2024.

Tumbledry has framed a franchise business that is ideal for metros and tier 1, 2, and 3 cities. Firstly, it requires a very basic structure and can be conducted in a limited amount of space. Tumbledry is all set to grow in multiple folds in the coming years because many graduates will migrate from tier 4 and 5 cities to metros and other urban cities for jobs and conducting business.

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Subway

Subway is the largest sub-sandwich chain in the world. Subway was started by Fred DeLucea in 1965 in the USA to help pay his college tuition fees. Subway's mission is to provide service of the highest quality to its customers at affordable prices, something that every brand abides by nowadays. It is the top franchise in India.

Today, Subway is one of the few mainstream fast-food joints that thrives on the promotion of a range of healthy food options. With salads and endless sandwich combinations on a variety of breads such as whole wheat, multigrain, and gluten-free variants, Subway has created a loyal customer base in the process. Today, it is recognized in the beverage and food segment as one of the best franchise businesses in India.

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Giani’s

Giani’s is one of the oldest ice cream parlors in India. It was founded by Giani Gurcharan Singh in 1956. The ice cream and fast food industry in India was very disorganized back then, with local competitors controlling the bigger share of the market, therefore, the basic idea behind Giani's brand was to break this trend by providing high-quality products to its customers.

Giani’s went on to launch several company-owned and franchise outlets in Northern India and experienced big returns on its investment. Today, it is among the low cost franchise in India that offers huge returns on a relatively small investment in the Beverages and Food segment.

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Jawed Habib Hair and Beauty Ltd.

'Jawed Habib' is a hair grooming and wellness brand founded by Jawed Habib in 2005. Jawed comes from a family of barbers; thus, haircutting was not new to him. His grandfather was the barber of famous dignitaries such as Lord Mountbatten and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Following their legacy, Jawed’s father was appointed as the Rashtrapati Bhawan's official hairstylist.

In addition to its around 900 franchised salons in India, Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty also has a strong international presence in countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Dubai, Singapore, and Kenya.

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InXpress

InXpress has partnerships with world-class carriers that handle pick-ups and deliveries. InXpress founded in 1999, determines the right carrier and service option for customers' requirements at economical prices. The brand gives entrepreneurs the setup to build a flexible business with the support of a global franchise system and is also among the low-cost franchise businesses.

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DTDC Courier And Cargo Ltd.

Subhashish Chakraborty is the founder, chairman, and managing director of DTDC Courier and Cargo Ltd. The brand came into being in Bangalore in 1990 and has over 1000 franchise units in India today, bringing a wonderful franchise business opportunity for the enthusiasts out there. DTDC pioneered the franchise-based model in the express industry and is still deemed the company with the top franchise opportunities. It is considered to be an ideal small business franchise opportunity in India.

Lenskart

Lenskart is one of the fastest-growing eyewear brands in India. It operates both online and offline. Lenskart was founded by Peyush Bansal, Amit Chaudhary, and Sumeet Kapahi as an online portal for contact lenses in 2010. Currently, Lenskart operates under the umbrella of 'VALYOO technologies'. People with any kind of vision issues make up the bulk of Lenskart's clientele. In 2011, eyeglasses and sunglasses were also added to the range. The brand didn’t stop there; it ventured into launching offline stores to expand its retail footprint.

With the demand for vision correction that Lenskart brings to the scene, the company is thus aiming to be one of the highest-profit franchises.

FabIndia

Fabindia was founded by John Bissell in 1960 and has become a household name today. It is loved by all age groups alike. FabIndia has crossed the INR 1,000 crore sales mark to become the largest retail apparel brand in India; it is significantly ahead of competitors like Zara and Levi’s India. FabIndia has been adding new categories of products consistently.

Fabindia offers flexibility in its franchising cost, and that is the main USP of this brand. It can cost between INR 10 and INR 15 lakhs to open a small store, which includes a contract fee of about INR 5 lakhs with a royalty fee being waived off.

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Pepperfry

Established in 2011, Pepperfry is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, as an online furniture business that operates 60+ physical stores or Pepperfry studios spread across 28+ cities, along with operating as an online e-commerce store. The company launched its Franchisee Program in September 2017 and is currently operating 20+ FOFO Studios across many Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Mysore, Hubbali, Indore, Goa, Lucknow, and more.

Kake di Hatti

Kake di Hatti is an inter-generational restaurant that has been running successfully for more than seven decades. It began as a small shop in Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk in 1942 and soon turned into a household name. Kake di Hatti has garnered loyal customers due to its high-quality eatables. Kake di Hatti gives out franchise licenses only after ensuring that the franchise owner will be able to maintain the high-quality standards for which the restaurant is known.

The franchise owner of Kake Di Hatti has the advantage of spending less on marketing and promotion since the brand itself has a strong customer base. Kake Di Hatti can be considered one of the most popular franchise brands in India.

EuroKids

EuroKids is one of India's most prominent preschool chains and has grown to be among the best franchises with low investment. It was founded by Prajodh Rajan and Vikas Phadnis in 2001, and it was their ‘child first’ ideology that led to the success of EuroKids. EuroKids has come a long way from being a publishing company to a full-fledged playschool chain that parents nationwide have bestowed their trust in. With over 1000 preschool centers in more than 350 cities across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, the brand has created a stellar reputation for itself as a perfect place for nurturing young minds.

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Affinity Salon

Vishal Sharma founded the Affinity Salon group in 1992. Sophisticated and experienced staff coupled with luxurious, upmarket interiors and an international range of beauty products distinguish Affinity Salon from its competitors. The brand has also secured a place among the Top 100 Best Salons of the World in the Salon Red Book.

The unisex salon franchise has set a benchmark for delivering global standards of hair care and beauty services in the country. Affinity Salon has seen steady growth and maintains nearly one hundred outlets in India. It plans to expand its outreach to many other Indian cities due to the increasing demand for unisex salons.

Kalyan Jewellers

Established by T.S. Kalyanaraman in 1993, Kalyan Jewellers stands as a shining testament to trust and craftsmanship in India. With over 230 showrooms across India and the Middle East, this jewelry giant offers a captivating array of gold, diamond, and precious stone ornaments for various occasions.

Applicants for a Kalyan franchise must submit proof of sufficient funds, relevant work experience (preferably in retail or jewellery), and the submission of necessary property paperwork in advance. With the help of these protocols, Kalyan Jewellers is able to keep its reputation and profits on the higher side.

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Lakme

Lakmé, an iconic Indian beauty brand, has a rich heritage linked to Hindustan Unilever, but it doesn't have a single founder. In 1952, JRD Tata was established as a division of the Tata Group at the specific request of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Since its launch, Lakmé has transformed into a multifaceted powerhouse, offering a wide range of cosmetics, skincare products, and salon services.

Lakme Salon franchise covers everything from operations and management to professional training and developing the soft skills of the staff. Lakme has created some tempting student and women's packages because its target customers consist mainly of females. It can be termed as one of the top franchises in India.

KFC

KFC, the Colonel's finger-lickin' good empire, owes its beginnings to Colonel Sanders, a man who turned his love for fried chicken into a global phenomenon. KFC was founded in 1952 by Harland Sanders in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, and it has since become a fast-food icon with over 800 outlets in India alone.

KFC's franchise model, recognized as the most profitable franchise in India, is a major driver of its success. The company operates through a mix of company-owned and franchised outlets, with the majority being franchised. This allows KFC to expand rapidly and tap into local expertise while mitigating risks associated with running its own stores. The franchise model has also been instrumental in bringing KFC's signature fried chicken to every corner of India, making it a beloved part of the country's culinary landscape.

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Jockey

Jockey, a household name in comfortable undergarments, traces its roots back to 1876 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA. Founded by Samuel W. Cooper, initially as a hosiery manufacturer, Jockey revolutionized undergarments with the introduction of its groundbreaking Y-front fit for men's briefs in 1938.

Today, Jockey boasts over 50,000 retail outlets globally, but interestingly, it doesn't operate any of them itself! Jockey primarily operates through a robust franchisee model, partnering with experienced retailers to bring its renowned comfort to customers worldwide. Preferred as one of the favorite brands not only amongst youngsters but grown-ups as well, Jockey India can be considered the best franchise business in the country.

Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp, the king of Indian two-wheelers, traces its roots back to 1984 with the vision of Brijmohan Lall Munjal. Today, it reigns supreme with over 6,000 dealerships and service points across the country, a far cry from its humble beginnings. As one of the leading automotive companies in India, Hero MotoCorp has developed attractive franchise models to attract investors who are willing to put in extra effort to get associated with the brand. Hero MotoCorp is one of the best franchise businesses in India.

Domino's

Dominos, the pizza empire synonymous with speedy delivery, owes its origin to Tom Monaghan and James Monaghan, brothers who bought a single store in 1960. Today, it boasts over 12,000 franchise units, a staggering legacy built on franchising. This model, where Domino's partners with local entrepreneurs, has fueled its global expansion, allowing it to tap into diverse tastes and preferences while maintaining its core promise of hot, delicious pizzas in minutes.

Most franchise brand owners are drawn to Domino's Pizza since they don't have to wait long for their franchise unit to start making money. Since Domino's is very popular among students and youngsters, it is considered one of the most profitable franchises in India.

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McDonald's

While most associate McDonald's with the iconic Ray Kroc, who transformed it into a global behemoth, the foundation was laid by the McDonald brothers, Richard and Maurice. In 1940, they revolutionized fast food with their streamlined operation in San Bernardino, California. Today, McDonald's boasts a staggering 40,275 restaurants in over 119 countries, with a fascinating franchise model.

The success of McDonald's franchises in India is evidence of the widespread popularity of the fast food chain among Indian consumers. It is one of the most profitable franchises in India.

FirstCry

FirstCry, the leading kid and baby care retail giant in India, is the brainchild of Supam Maheshwari and Amitava Saha, who launched it in 2010. Their franchise business offers entrepreneurs a chance to tap into this booming market, with over 350 FirstCry franchise stores dotting over 125 Indian cities. This hybrid model, combining online and offline presence, coupled with their unique "FirstCry Box" program reaching new parents in hospitals, has solidified FirstCry's position as the go-to destination for all things baby and kid in India.

FirstCry franchise owners maintain a hefty profit margin on their products. FirstCry dispatches business officials to help franchise owners with marketing, brand promotion, and designing the overall store. The current trends show that FirstCry is one of the best and most profitable franchise businesses in India.

VLCC

Founded by Vandana Luthra in 1989, VLCC has transformed from a single beauty center into the best franchise business in India and a wellness empire with over 330 outlets across 150 cities in 14 countries. This sprawling network, supported by over 3,000 skilled professionals, thrives on a franchisee model, empowering individuals to bring VLCC's signature blend of skincare, beauty, and fitness services to their communities. With its dedication to scientific innovations and affordable solutions, VLCC continues to empower its franchisees and customers to embrace a more fulfilling, beautiful life.

Kathi Junction

Founded in 2009 by a passionate foodie, Kathi Junction has sizzled into becoming India's largest Kathi roll and shawarma chain, with over 160 outlets across 22 states. This quick-service giant, also recognized as a small franchise business in India, built its empire on delectable "Kathi Rolls" - a delicious fusion of traditional recipes and modern twists.

As a low-investment franchise model, Kathi Junction's menu is packed with quick-to-serve products, which attracts most people to invest in this brand.

Now, as there is a lot of industrialization happening in tier 2&3 cities, Kathi Junction types of quick service restaurants are in great demand, and hence they provide an ideal plot for investors to invest in their franchise business.

Kidzee

Founded by a visionary educator in 2003, the Kidzee franchise in India has blossomed into the largest preschool chain in Asia, boasting over 1,900 vibrant centers in 750+ Indian and Nepalese cities. Its "Interactive ILLUME" pedagogy nurtures young minds, while its franchisee model empowering entrepreneurs nationwide has made quality early childhood education accessible to over 1.4 million children. Kidzee shines as a testament to both educational excellence and inclusive franchise success. It is one of the top franchise in India.

Dr. Lal PathLabs

Lal PathLabs, a pioneer in India's diagnostic scene, was founded in 1949 by Dr. S.K. Lal with a mission to provide accurate and timely test results. Today, it's a sprawling network of 4500+ patient service centers and 10,000+ hospital and clinical partners, offering a comprehensive range of tests from blood and urine analysis to pathology and imaging. While Dr. Lal PathLabs primarily operates through its own centers, it also has a franchisee model, allowing entrepreneurs to leverage their brand and expertise. This hybrid approach has fueled their impressive growth and reach, making them a trusted healthcare partner for millions across India.

Amul

Amul, a household name synonymous with dairy goodness, owes its origins to the cooperative spirit of Tribhuvandas Patel in 1946. While its iconic "Amul the Butter Girl" graces over 6,000 retail outlets and franchise businesses in India, its true reach extends far beyond. Through a vast network of 10,000+ village milk cooperatives, it empowers millions of farmers, and its franchisee model offers opportunities for budding entrepreneurs to run over 12,000 Amul Parlours, bringing its delectable dairy delights to every corner of the country. Having an Amul franchise is one of the best franchise opportunities in India.

The primary selling point of an Amul franchise is that with an initial investment of INR 2–6 lakh, a person can buy the franchise, and on top of that, he doesn't even need to pay royalties or a profit margin. This makes the Amul franchise one of the low-cost franchises of India.

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Delhivery

Founded in 2011 by Sahil Barua, Mohit Tandon, Bhavesh Manglani, Suraj Saharan, and Kapil Bharati, Delhivery has grown into India's largest eCommerce logistics player, boasting over 1800 retail partner outlets and handling 3 lakh+ shipments daily.

Delhivery has two franchise models- the first is a delivery center and the other is a courier booking center. For a delivery center, one needs to invest 10-15 lakh rupees, and it also requires 300-400 sq/ft of land to carry out its business operation. Whereas, a courier booking center can be obtained by a marginal investment of INR 2-3 lakh, and its business operations can be conducted from a small working place of 70-80 sq/ft.

La Pino'z Pizza

La Pino’z Pizza is a fast-growing pizza chain in India, founded by Sanam Kapoor in 2011 in Chandigarh. Known for its jumbo pizzas and wide variety, it now has over 600 outlets across India and is expanding internationally. The franchise model requires an investment of INR 30–INR 50 lakhs, including a franchise fee of INR 5–INR 7 lakhs. Store space of around 300–1000 sq. ft. is needed, and franchisees pay a royalty of about 6–8% on sales. ROI is expected in 18–24 months. It is also considered a small franchise business in India.

Baskin Robbins

Baskin-Robbins is a well-known global ice cream brand with a strong presence in India, especially in cities. Famous for offering 31 different flavors, it attracts customers with its variety and regularly changing menu. This keeps the brand fresh in people’s minds and popular with all age groups. Being a trusted international name gives franchise owners an edge with built-in brand value and customer trust. While ice cream sells more in warm months, Baskin-Robbins also offers other desserts and drinks, helping franchisees earn steady income throughout the year. It’s a smart and profitable business choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the franchise industry in India is booming, and there are numerous profitable franchise opportunities available for aspiring entrepreneurs. Franchise India offers a wide range of business opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to invest in a reliable and scalable model through franchise India platforms. However, before investing in any franchise, it is essential to conduct thorough research and due diligence to ensure that you make an informed decision. By selecting the right franchise and following a proven business model, you can enjoy financial stability and success in your entrepreneurial journey. So, if you have the passion and drive to succeed, start exploring the exciting world of franchising today!

FAQs

What is a franchise?

A franchise is one such business which is authorized to allow others, known as "franchisors," to distribute their products and services. Franchise businesses are generally larger businesses/companies empowering their franchisors with numerous business opportunities. In technical terms, the term 'franchise' means the contract that binds the franchisor and the franchisee.

How much does a franchise cost in India?

When it comes to setting up a franchise in India, one can look for a range between Rs. 1 lakh and 10 lakh, which he/she would need in order to set up a franchise. If you are wondering about low-cost franchises, then you can easily set them up by investing under Rs 2 lakhs. However, a majority of these franchises would be typically home-based. Some of them can be mobile but would be limited to small-scale operations.

What is franchising?

Franchising is the process of marketing and distribution of products and services for a brand/franchise. Franchising includes two levels of people:

• A franchisor
• A franchisee

Which franchise is most profitable in India?

There are numerous franchises in India and around the world that are quite profitable. However, profitability varies from time to time. In the current market scenario, the most profitable ones are:

• Tumbledry
• Subway
• Giani’s
• Jawed Habib Hair and Beauty Ltd.
• InXpress
• DTDC Courier And Cargo Ltd.
• Lenskart
• FabIndia
• Pepperfry
• Kake di Hatti
• EuroKids
• Affinity Salon
• Dr. Lal Pathlabs
• Amul

Which franchise business can I start with INR 20 lakhs in India?

Rs 20 lakhs can be a good amount of money to start a franchise business in India. There is a wide range of sectors that you can check for the same, including the trading sector, service sector, and more.

Which are the profitable sectors for franchise business in India?

Profitable sectors for franchise business in India are:

• Retail
• Food Service
• Beauty & Wellness
• Healthcare

How is the growth of the franchise industry in India?

The Franchise industry in India is valued at $47 billion. It is expected to reach 140 billion in 2027.