“The two most important requirements for major success are: first, being in the right place at the right time, and second, doing something about it,” says Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald’s Corporation.
And what better time and place than India’s booming franchise market, where opportunities are knocking louder than ever?
India’s franchise industry is growing at 35% per year. However, with approximately 4,600 active franchisors operating over 2 lakh stores in India, choosing the right opportunity may seem like a daunting task.
In this blog, we will discuss the 12 best franchise businesses in India and how you can be a key player in the market!
| Name | Industry | Investment | Profit Margin |
| Amul | Dairy | ₹2-6 lakh | 20-50% gross profit |
| McDonald's | Fast food | ₹6.6-14 crore | 30% on total sales |
| Domino’s Pizza | Pizza Restaurant | ₹50 lakh-₹1.5 crore | 8% on revenue |
| KFC | Fast food | ₹96 lakh-₹2 crore | 7-8% |
| Subway | Fast food | ₹65-75 lakh | Varies |
| FirstCry | Baby & Kids Product | ₹20-30 lakh | 18-20% |
| EuroKids | Early Childhood Education | ₹10-20 lakh | 20% |
| Lakme | Beauty and personal care | ₹50-60 lakh | 18-25% |
| Lenskart | Eyewear | ₹30-35 lakh | 30% |
| Kalyan Jewellers | Jewellery Retail | ₹1 Cr+ | 12%–20% |
| Jockey | Apparel / Innerwear | ₹45 Lakh+ | 20%–25% |
| Tumbledry | Laundry & Dry Cleaning | ₹18 Lakh+ | 30% ROI |
Here is the list of the top 12 profitable franchise businesses in India.
1. Amul Parlour Franchise
Amul has been the ‘Taste of India’ since 1946 and is one of the oldest and most recognised brands in India. The demand for Amul products is everlasting.
The company generated ₹65,911 crore in revenue in FY 2024-25, making it one of the best franchises in India.
It requires an approximate investment of ₹2-6 lakh.
- Area Requirement:100-150 sq. ft.
- Profit and Margins: 20%-50% gross profit margin
Learn how to get started with your Amul franchise.
2. McDonald's
This fast-food chain has been a popular choice in India since its entry in 1996. It has expanded largely with several outlets across the country.
Moreover, it has successfully catered to the Indian palette with dishes like Chicken Maharaja and Mac McAloo Tikki burgers.
Its strong marketing strategy can be effective for you if you are a new entrepreneur planning to start a franchise.
- Area Requirement: 1500-4000 sq. ft.
- Profit and Margins: 29.36% net profit on sales
3. Domino’s Pizza
With the growing popularity of pizzas among Indian residents, Domino’s outlets have made a serious business here. Currently, it has over 1400 outlets in India.
Apart from pizza, which is its most popular product, the company also offers other food items like pasta, garlic bread and chicken wings.
You can consider this franchise business for making good revenue without having to invest much.
- Area Requirement: 1500-2000 sq. ft.
- Profit and Margins: 8% of net profit on the revenue
Learn how to get started with your Domino's franchise.
4. KFC
There is hardly any other brand name that comes before KFC when people crave fried chicken.
The taste and quality of the products have helped KFC develop a loyal customer base.
The investment might seem high, but a franchise store for this brand guarantees great returns, keeping the love for fried chicken among Indian consumers in mind.
- Area Requirement: 1000-1500 sq. ft.
- Profit and Margins: 7%-8% net profit on sales
5. Subway
If you are looking for the most profitable dealerships in India, Subway is a good choice.
It is a popular fast-food chain business, with submarine sandwiches being its most popular product.
It has branches in 44000 locations worldwide, and the company has successfully gained a loyal customer base. If you are looking for a quick profit, this franchise may be a good option.
- Area Requirement: 250-300 sq. ft.
- Profit and Margins: 10% ROI
6. FirstCry
Seeing the growing popularity of kids' products in the current scenario, FirstCry can be a great idea for a profitable franchise.
It has collaborations with some of the top brands like Disney, Pampers, Gerbers, Barbie, Pigeon, etc.
You can utilise its franchise business model, which is usually valid for five years, and partners must renew it after that. It can be a good business idea for a quick profit.
- Area Requirement: 1200-2500 sq. ft.
- Profit and Margins:18%-20% of net profit margin
7. EuroKids
Another popular franchise related to kids is Eurokids. It is one of the most popular preschool chains in India, known for providing quality knowledge and education to young minds.
Currently, it has about 1000 preschool facilities across 350 cities in India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Its remarkable reputation helps the franchises of EuroKids to maintain impressive profitability and returns on investment.
- Area Requirement: 1500-2000 sq. ft.
- Profit and Margins: 20%-25% ROI
8. Lakme
One of the oldest and most reliable cosmetic brands, Lakme, has a strong hold over Indian consumers.
Currently, Hindustan Unilever owns the brand, with more than 150 physical outlets.
Its makeup and skincare products are popular across India. It can be a good choice for a franchise store if you have a basic knowledge of fashion and beauty products.
- Area Requirement: 800-1000 sq. ft.
- Profit and Margins:18%-25% ROI
9. Lenskart
It is a popular Indian eyewear brand, popular for its wide range of unique and impressive eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, etc.
The products are available both on the e-commerce platform and through the offline outlets.
This franchise business idea is capable of generating sufficient revenue since the products are popular among Indian residents.
- Area Requirement: 300-500 sq. ft.
- Profit and Margins:30% ROI
Learn how to get started with your Lenskart franchise.
10. Kalyan Jewellers
With an experience of more than 43 years in the industry, Kalyan Jewellers has shown expertise in creating and selling jewellery items.
Its audience has taken an interest in its jewellery items made from gold, silver, diamonds, etc.
Its outlets are present across 21 states and UTs in India. You can expect hefty profits from this franchise business.
- Area Requirement: 1000-2000 sq. ft.
- Profit and Margins: 12%-20% net profit on sales
11. Jockey
It is an international brand from Wisconsin, USA, mainly known for products like sleepwear, innerwear, and sportswear.
In India, it has a tie-up with Page Industries Limited, which handles its activities regarding manufacturing, distribution and marketing.
Its stable sales show that it can be a good idea for a profitable franchise business.
- Area Requirement: 1000-1200 sq. ft.
- Profit and Margins:20%-25% net profit
12. Tumbledry
Since 2019, Tumbledry has successfully become India’s largest cleaning and laundry chain.
It is an expert in dry cleaning, laundry, carpet and bag cleaning, shoe and bag repairing, etc.
Across 80 cities, this brand has more than 300 outlets. It can be a good option for a franchise business to generate quick revenue because of the existing customer base.
- Area Requirement: 200-300 sq. ft.
- Profit and Margins: 50% of profit margin
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which small franchise is best?
Some of the small business franchises are in the service, food and beverage and retail sectors. Some of these include franchise-like Tumbledry, DTDC, and Lensekart.
Which franchise is most profitable in India?
There is no single, most profitable franchise in India. While the food and beverage sector, particularly quick-service restaurants like Domino's and McDonald's, are considered as highly profitable.
What is the cheapest franchise to start?
The cheapest franchise in India includes the DTDC Courier, Patanjali, Amul Ice Cream, and certain food or education-related franchises. The investment in these franchises can starts from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh
