Currently, the Franchise market is valued at Rs. 800 billion. India has huge potential for businesses, and Franchise business is one of the most common business models in the country. At present, India is the second-largest Franchise market in the world.
When we think of Franchises, a few names like Domino’s, Apollo, and McDonald’s pop into our minds, but to your surprise, India shelters 4600 Franchises at present, the number is huge, making it a profitable venture.
Before we check out the list of the best Franchise businesses in India, let’s know a few things about this business model.
A franchise is a business model where the owner gives another party the right to operate a business with their (1st party) brand name.
The reason the Franchise business model is gaining prevalence is the lower risk, zero pressure for innovation, and it can be started with relatively lower investment.
So, if you are planning to acquire a franchise business, you are at the right place. You will find answers to all your questions related to the best franchise businesses in India.
How to start a Franchise business in India?
Undoubtedly, starting and operating a Franchise business is comparatively easier than establishing a new business. But you have to obtain certain licenses and fulfil legal obligations for the same. This is how you can start a Franchise business in India:
- The first step is to understand your area of interest and the industry you are passionate about.
- The next step is to explore franchise opportunities and understand the support and resources given by the franchiser.
- Calculate your financial requirements and arrange for a loan or save whatever suits you the most.
- Now prepare a business plan. Be it starting a new business or acquiring a franchise, you cannot move ahead without a solid plan.
- Select the location considering factors like crowd, raw material and business opportunity.
- Discuss terms and conditions with the franchiser and obtain the required licenses.
- Now launch your franchise and promote well.
Franchise Business Opportunities in India
Food & Beverage/QSR: It includes major brands like McDonald’s, Domino’s, KFC/Pizza Hut, and low‑cost options such as Amul Parlours (₹2–6 lakh). The brands like Naturals Ice Cream, Bikanervala, Chai Point and Biryani Blues are also rising.
Education & Childcare: Franchises such as Kidzee and EuroKids dominate the preschool space, while FirstCry combines retail with parenting cafés. You can even find their stores in small cities.
Health & Wellness: In this sector, VLCC and Dr. Batra’s Clinic are known for fitness and alternative healthcare.
Retail & Logistics: Brands like Lenskart, DTDC, and Patanjali Stores are seeing steady growth.
Services & Cleaning: The common names in this sector include Tumbledry. They are known for affordable hygiene solutions, especially in Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities.
Now, let’s have a glance at the list of the 15 best Franchise businesses in India.
19 Most Profitable Franchise Businesses in India
Food Franchise
1. Fresho
Let’s begin the list of the best franchise businesses in India with a Fresh franchise named “Fresho”. The company was started in 2019 by Cinste Ventures. The company runs on the Franchise Owned, Company Owned (FOCO) Model. The reason it could be a profitable venture is the rising chunk of health-conscious population, and they offer healthy and palatable food. You don’t have to worry about marketing as it is centralised by Fresho.
Investment: You can start with Rs. 18-2- Lakhs
Area Required: 500-700 square feet.
2. La Pinoz (Best Franchise Businesses in India)
La Pino’z became prevalent for Indianised Pizza flavours, and it was started in 2011 in Chandigarh. From makhni pizza to paneer butter masala, they are tickling the Indian taste buds better than any other brand. In 2013, they initiated the Franchise model and have more than 700 outlets in India. They reached international markets with their quality flavours and exceptional taste.
Investment: Starts with Rs. 30-50 lakhs
Area Required: 350-750 square feet.
3. Kathi Junction
This brand is not as popular as Domino’s, Pizza Hut, etc, but is rapidly growing in the Indian market. Also, their products are altogether different from these brands. They are known for biryanis, kebabs and other Mughlai dishes. You can expect a profit margin of 20% which is not bad. Also, this is one of the best small franchise businesses in India, owing to its loyal customers.
Currently, they are operating 162 outlets and are growing rapidly.
You can even gain a first-mover advantage by starting it in your city if you don’t have it there.
Investment: Starts with Rs. 15-16 lakhs
Area Required: 100-200 square feet
4. Giani’s
Giani’s is mostly known for its icecreams, but it also sells fast food items like burgers and sandwiches. They also provide catering services for parties and other events like weddings. The best part about this franchise is that you can start with a low investment and expect a profit margin of 20-25%. They offer excellent training and support to new partners and have room for innovation. They are open to introducing new flavours and types for growth.
Investment: Starts with Rs. 10-12 lakhs
Area Required: 120-350 square feet
5. Chai Sutta Bar
Chai Suta Bar was started in 2016 and is currently operated in more than 370 cities. They have outlets in tier 2 and tier 3 cities; as a result, they became a 100-crore brand in 6 years. They have outlets in Dubai and Oman as well. They make initial agreements for 5 years, which are renewable. The brand is well-received by youth, and an interesting thing is that they serve chai in reusable Kulhads, reviving Indian tradition.
Investment: Starts with Rs. 16-18 Lakhs
Area Required: 300-400 square feet
Logistics Franchise
6. Delhivery
Logistics is one of the best franchise businesses in India, as it can be started with a minimum investment and area. Also, it offers promising returns as people trust these brands and don’t have to spend much on marketing. Delhivery is a great franchise if you are interested in this sector. You can enjoy a first-mover advantage in many cities as the franchise is in the rising phase.
Investment: You can start with Rs. 45000-60000
Area Required: 450- 550 Square feet
7. InXpress
InXpress is a delivery and shipping company started in 1999. It has more than 500 franchise units and is known for running a huge shipping network. The reason this is the most profitable logistics franchise is its ability to choose low-cost carrier options as per customers’ demand.
Investment: You can start with Rs. 10 lakhs
Area Required: 250-550 square feet
8. DTDC
Let me ask you about a courier company, and you’ll immediately say DTDC. Many people are not even aware of other courier companies except for DTDC. It is the largest courier company operating in India and 21 foreign countries like Canada, Singapore, and the UK. They have more than 1000 franchise units. You don’t have to worry about marketing, as they have a solid customer base.
Investment: Starts with as low as Rs. 50000
Area Required: 300-500 square feet
Health & Wellness Franchise
9. Dr. Lal Path Labs
Dr. Lal Path Labs was established in 1949 and is currently operating in tier 1,2, and 3 cities. You can start this franchise with low investment and expect quick returns. It has built a great reputation over the years and is in partnership with more than 10000 hospitals. Often, people refrain from the healthcare franchise, but this is the most profitable sector in the franchise business.
Investment: Starts with Rs. 2 lakhs
Area Required: 220-350 square feet
10. Dr. Batra’s Clinic
Dr. Batra’s Clinic is counted among the best healthcare franchises in India. They work on the Franchise Owned, Franchise Operated (FOFO) model. Initially, the agreement is for 5 years, and it can be renewed after that. They offer excellent support and training to new franchisee owners, helping them maintain the quality and reputation of their brand. They are known for delivering results in homeopathy treatments.
Investment: Starts with Rs. 40 lakhs
Area Required: 350-700 square feet
Beauty Franchise
11. Jawed Habib Hair& Beauty
Jawed Habib Hair& Beauty is known for its affordable and trustworthy cosmetic treatments. At present, they are operating in 85 cities with more than 900 units. People love their hairstyling and haircuts, and the owner has served as the brand ambassador of Sunsilk for 9 years. They give impeccable support and training to the franchisee.
Investment: You can start with Rs. 24 lakhs
Area Required: 550-1600 square feet
12. VLCC
One thing that immediately clicks in my mind when I hear VLCC: good results. This is why VLCC is one of the best franchise businesses in India. It was founded by a woman with a vision to provide high-quality skincare products at affordable prices. They are known for exceptional marketing strategies.
Investment: Starts with Rs. 20 lakhs
Area Required: 1400-2000 square feet
13. Yes Madam
This brand provides women-to-women services at home, but was started by a male duo in 2017. The company started the franchise model in 2019, and these units are called Beauty Cafes. Initially, they started providing services at homes, but later expanded. Currently, they are providing services in Delhi NCR, but they are planning to expand to other cities. You can get a first-mover advantage by taking it to tier 2 and other metro cities.
Investment: Starts with Rs. 10-20 lakhs
Area Required: 700-900 square feet
Other Franchise
14. Amul
Amul is one of the oldest franchises, started in 1946. Amul is known for selling dairy products. They also deal in ice creams and chocolates and are loved for their high-quality products at affordable prices. Currently, they have more than 10000 outlets, and most of them are doing well. If you are planning to acquire the Amul franchise, you can expect good returns quickly that too with small investments.
Investment: Starts with Rs. 1.5 lakhs
Area Required: 100-150 square feet
15. Lenskart
The brand was started by Peyush Bansal. He earned the status of celebrity entrepreneur, and this has benefited the brand as well. Lenskart was started in 2010 and is currently operating more than 500 stores. They offer stylish eyewear at affordable prices. Their marketing strategies have been top-notch since the beginning and have managed to capture a great share of the market. You can expect around 30% return on investment.
Investment: You can start with Rs. 21 lakhs
Area Required: 250-500 square feet
16. Pepperfry
Pepperfry is a new brand known for selling furniture. It has both online as well as offline presence. If you are planning to start an online Franchise business in India, this is a great option for you. In 14 years, the brand has managed to build a huge customer base by selling stylish and high-quality furniture items. People love Pepperfry because of their exceptional services! They are open to innovative ideas as the interior design market is flourishing, so you can give your unique ideas as well.
Investment: You can start with Rs 10-12 lakhs
Area Required: 500-1500 square feet
17. Kidzee
You must have seen Kidzee ads during your childhood. This is a preschool brand started in 2003 and has won accolades for being the most trustworthy preschool brand. At present, they have more than 2000 centres in India and Nepal. You can expect profits of around 25-30%.
Investment: Starts with Rs 12-20 lakhs
Area Required: 2000-2500 square feet
18. Fab india
The story began in 1960, when their first store was opened in 1976 in G.K., New Delhi. The brand is known for home decor, apparel, furnishings, and organic food acquired from 55000+ rural artisans. They started franchising much later in 2014, which is why people mistake it for a new brand. The establishment cost is high, and they make an initial agreement for 1 year.
Investment: You can start with 50 lakhs- 1 crore.
Area Required: 1000-2500 Square feet
19. Sleepwell
This is a mattress and home comfort brand started in 1971 and has 7000 retail units across the country. Out of 7000, 5000 are franchise outlets while 2000 are multi-brand stores. You can expect a return of 25% in a year. The best part is that they are changing with time. To cope with a dynamic tech-oriented environment, they started “Retail 2.0” with interactive technology. Also, the brand is going to bear this cost if you get their franchise. This is why it is counted among the best franchise businesses in India.
Investment: Starts with Rs. 20-30 lakhs
Area Required: 600-1000 square feet
Factors to consider while choosing a Franchise business
Undoubtedly, a Franchise is an intelligent business model, but you have to consider a few factors before choosing one for you.
- Location: Choose a location where footfall is considerable, if you are choosing a food franchise. And if you are going for a jewellery brand or furniture franchise like Pepperfry, go for premium locations.
- Investment: It is not required to mention that you have to consider your budget and expectations before finalising a franchise business.
- Market Demand: If you are in tier 2 or tier 3 cities, choose a franchise that is not available in nearby cities or brands that have high demand in your area.
- Raw Material Availability: For food brands and manufacturing franchises, you need to consider the availability of raw materials.
- Expertise: Don’t start a franchise business only because you are finding it profitable. You should be interested in every detail of the business.
Conclusion
These are the best Franchise businesses in India, as most of them are popular and you can make profits in a shorter period. You can also consider some other brands like Kalyan Jewellers, Cafe Coffee Day and Tanishq, but they demand huge investments. Now you can choose the franchise that best suits your requirements and expectations.
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FAQs
Q1- What are the different types of Franchise businesses?
Four different types of Franchise businesses include:
- Product Distribution Franchise (product selling)
- Job Franchise (service franchises)
- Manufacturing Franchise (producing and selling items)
- Business Format Franchise
Q2- What are the best small Franchise businesses in India?
If your budget is small, you can consider brands like WOW! Momo, Tumbledry, Mr.Blue and Dolly ki Tapri according to your interests.
Q3- Which are the most profitable online Franchise businesses in India?
The most profitable online franchise businesses or MLM companies in India are Amway, Pomento, Herbalife and some astrology applications.
Q4- How to choose the right Franchise business?
There are different factors like location, business support, market demand, raw material availability, logistics, and many more factors that need to be considered before starting a franchise business in India.
