Top 10 Zero Investment Franchise in India to Start in 2026

In India, a zero investment franchise allows hopeful entrepreneurs to begin their own business with very little to no investment. For such franchises, no initial fee payment is required, therefore making them available for people of diverse backgrounds. You may partner with well-known brands in finance, insurance, and fintech sectors and earn fee income while you develop your entrepreneurial journey. This approach is redefining how India’s business ownership is structured and revolutionizes the concept of entrepreneurship in India.

What Is a Zero Investment Franchise in India?

A zero investment franchise is a business collaboration in which you represent an established brand and you do not pay for franchise fees or installation costs. Instead of finance, you spend time and energy on customer acquisition. The covering corporation brands, trains, and supports you while you earn income through commissions for sales or transactions. It is a model which lowers the investment in entrepreneurship. There is no investment. Usual sectors are sub-brokers, mutual fund distribution, insurance advisory, and DSA, which have minimal overheads.

Categories of Zero Investment Franchises

Sub-Broker: Collaborate with stock brokers so that clients can trade and earn commissions daily for the brokerage.
Mutual Fund Distributor: Assist clients in selecting mutual funds and earn recurring commissions on their assets.
DSA (Direct Selling Agent): Connect borrowers with banks or NBFCs and earn commissions on the loans that get approved.
Insurance Advisor: Offer life, health, or general insurance and get paid for premiums and commissions on policy sold.
Fintech Partner: Be a digital payment or investment partner and earn revenue for clients transaction volume.

Difference Between Low Investment vs Zero Investment Franchises

Aspect	Zero Investment Franchise	Low Investment Franchise
Upfront Cost	No franchise fee required	₹10,000 to ₹2 lakh initial investment
Infrastructure	Work from home or anywhere	May need small office space
Inventory	No stock or inventory needed	Requires minimal product stock
Risk Level	Very low financial risk	Moderate financial commitment
Target Audience	Students, homemakers, job seekers	Established professionals, small entrepreneurs
Training	Free online training provided	Often includes paid training programs

How Zero-Investment Franchises Work

No Franchise Fee Model: Franchisees with the company focus to expand their reach with no extra costs to the client.
Revenue Sharing Model: Earn a commission percentage on sales or transactions that you facilitate and close.
Brand Licensing Free: Have open access to a recognized and branded name, promotional tools, and digital resources.
Support Infrastructure: Parent company provides client management tools, instructional training material, and support guides.
Performance Based Growth: Increased transaction activity translates to higher commission tiers and new bonus commission plans.

Why Zero Investment Franchises Are Booming in India

Digital Transformation: Remote access to the internet and smart devices allow for business to be conducted from any part of the nation.
Financial Inclusion Push: Government initiatives that urge people to save, invest, and get insured are bound to create huge market opportunities in the near future.
Youth Unemployment: The limited availability of jobs for educated youth pushes some of them to become risk- and capital-free entrepreneurs.
Gig Economy Growth: The desire for work-life balance and the tendency to leave a job arbitrarily motivates millennials and Gen-Z to seek jobs that allow for flexible work arrangements.
Low Entry Barriers: Earning without the usual business setup and running requirements is possible for individuals with a basic education, good communication skills, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Top 10 Zero Investment Franchise in India (2026)

Name	Category	Investment	Commission	Skills Needed	Registration Time	Earning Potential
Zerodha Sub-Broker	Stock Broking	₹0	Up to 80% brokerage	Sales, market knowledge	7-15 days	₹25,000-₹2 lakh/month
Upstox Partner	Stock Broking	₹0	Up to 70% revenue	Communication, finance	5-10 days	₹20,000-₹1.5 lakh/month
NJ Wealth	Mutual Funds	₹0	0.5-1% trail commission	Advisory, trust-building	10-20 days	₹15,000-₹1 lakh/month
HDFC Bank DSA	Loan Distribution	₹0	0.5-2% on loan amount	Sales, networking	15-30 days	₹30,000-₹2 lakh/month
Tata AIA Insurance	Insurance	₹0	15-35% of premium	Persuasion, empathy	7-15 days	₹20,000-₹1.5 lakh/month
LIC Agent	Insurance	₹0	25-35% first year	Relationship-building	5-10 days	₹15,000-₹1 lakh/month
5Paisa Partner	Stock Broking	₹0	Up to 70% share	Digital marketing	7-14 days	₹18,000-₹1.2 lakh/month
KFintech MF Distributor	Mutual Funds	₹0	0.5-1.5% trail	Financial planning	15-25 days	₹12,000-₹80,000/month
Poonawalla Fincorp DSA	Loan Distribution	₹0	1-2.5% on disbursement	Lead generation	10-20 days	₹25,000-₹1.8 lakh/month
Paytm Money Partner	Fintech Investment	₹0	Variable commission	Tech-savvy, networking	3-7 days	₹10,000-₹60,000/month

10 Best Zero Investment Franchise in India

1. Zerodha Sub-Broker Franchise

India’s largest discount broker Zerodha provides another example. Zerodha provides a zero investment franchise opportunities in India option through its sub-broker program. As a Zerodha partner, you assist clients in opening trading and demat accounts and earn a portion of the brokerage fees. Zerodha partners get cutting-edge technology, marketing, and training resources. With millions of active users, Zerodha’s brand recognition simplifies client acquisition. This is a suitable opportunity for those who are passionate about stock markets and would like to earn commission-based revenue sharing.

Business Model: Commission-based
Investment Required: ₹0 (completely free registration)
Who Can Start It: Anyone 18+
Registration Time: 7-15 working days
Earning Potential: ₹25,000 to ₹2 lakh per month
Official Website: https://zerodha.com/z-connect/

2. Upstox Partner Program

Upstox has developed a zero investment franchise in India model for individuals wanting to start a career in stock broking without any initial capital. Partners generate income through client referrals that open trading accounts and make stock broking transactions. Upstox also provides training, marketing resources, and a partner dashboard to monitor clients and revenue. The Upstox mobile app’s accessibility and competitive brokerage rates also attract many younger investors. This kind of work is ideal for tech-savvy individuals, students, and anyone with an interest in the financial markets looking for easy flexible earning opportunities.

Business Model: Revenue sharing
Investment Required: ₹0 (no fees)
Who Can Start It: Students, professionals
Registration Time: 5-10 working days
Earning Potential: ₹20,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per month
Official Website: https://upstox.com/

3. NJ Wealth – Mutual Fund Distributor

NJ Wealth also provides a zero investment franchise in India for prospective mutual fund distributors throughout India. Partners work with clients to choose the best mutual fund schemes and earn trail commissions on the funds that are managed. The company has also prepared client management tools, training programs, and will assist with AMFI certification. Automated client management systems and the growing Indian mutual fund industry will provide distributors with a steady passive income stream. This business is well suited for individuals with financial acumen, patience and the ability to build relationships.

Business Model: Trail commission
Investment Required: ₹0 (free partnership)
Who Can Start It: Finance graduates
Registration Time: 10-20 working days
Earning Potential: ₹15,000 to ₹1 lakh per month
Official Website: https://www.njwealth.in/

4. HDFC Bank DSA (Direct Selling Agent)

HDFC Bank is well-known for its zero investment franchise opportunities in India that let you distribute loans. While acting as a DSA, you refer qualifying candidates to the bank for loans, receive a hefty commission on the value of the loan, and shield the bank from credit risks. It is easy to book loan clients with HDFC’s bank equity. The bank offers training and support for various bank products. This franchise opportunity suits a sales person with a sales-driven mindset, strong local networking and communication abilities. HDFC Bank DSA program is ideal for strong advocates of all HDFC services.

Business Model: Loan commission
Investment Required: ₹0 (registration free)
Who Can Start It: Sales professionals
Registration Time: 15-30 working days
Earning Potential: ₹30,000 to ₹2 lakh per month
Official Website: https://www.hdfcbank.com/

5. Tata AIA Insurance Advisor Program

Tata AIA Life Insurance offers a zero investment franchise in India for those who aspire to become insurance advisors. You can help customers select the right life insurance policy in exchange for commissions on premiums collected. Full training will be provided, along with support for certification and all digital sales tools. The rich legacy of Tata AIA along with its wide portfolio of products makes selling easier. This is suitable for empathetic communicators who build long-term relationships with clients by offering both immediate commission income and renewal income streams.

Business Model: Premium commission
Investment Required: ₹0 (no fees)
Who Can Start It: Anyone 18+
Registration Time: 7-15 working days
Earning Potential: ₹20,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per month
Official Website: https://www.tataaia.com/careers

6. LIC Agent / Advisor Franchise

LIC is India’s most trusted insurance brand and offers a nil investment franchisee for agents pan-India. As an LIC advisor, you will be selling life insurance policies and getting attractive first-year commissions along with renewal commissions. The company does extensive training through its development officers and regional offices. The brand recall of LIC, government support, and wide acceptance make it easy to onboard clients. This business suits people looking for stable, long-term income at low risk, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Business Model: Commission-based
Investment Required: ₹0 (completely free)
Who Can Start It: Class 10+ pass
Registration Time: 5-10 working days
Earning Potential: ₹15,000 to ₹1 lakh per month
Official Website: https://licindia.in/career-agent

7. 5Paisa Partner Program

In the case of 5Paisa, it provides zero investment franchise in India in the discount brokerage industry for sub-brokers. An equity partner for sub couting will earn for every client equity and demat accounts they bring on board. Advanced trading tools, research documents, and marketing assistance are also provided to sub-brokers. Given 5Paisa’s low brokerage plans, cost-sensitive customers will find it appealing, making client acquisition through sub-brokers easy. Sub-brokers also receive a fully equipped tracking system to monitor client acquisition and income in real time. As a result, this opportunity is best suited for individual that is tech-savvy, willing to conduct online marketing, and social media marketing.

Business Model: Revenue sharing
Investment Required: ₹0 (free registration)
Who Can Start It: Digital marketers
Registration Time: 7-14 days
Earning Potential: ₹18,000 to ₹1.2 lakh per month
Official Website: https://www.5paisa.com/

8. KFintech – Mutual Fund Distributor

KFintech, previously known as Karvy, provides prospective franchisees with the opportunity to obtain mutual fund distribution with no initial investment via its technology platform. Investors will help clients pick funds, analyze portfolios, and execute systematic investment plans as the distributors receive trail commissions. The platform also providerzp, back-office support, transaction processing, and compliance management. The extensive collaboration with fund houses provides ample product availability for distributors. This opportunity is targeted toward finance professionals, chartered accountants, and financial advisors who wish to leverage client relationship management for additional passive income.

Business Model: Trail commission
Investment Required: ₹0 (no charges)
Who Can Start It: Finance professionals
Registration Time: 15-25 days
Earning Potential: ₹12,000 to ₹80,000 per month
Official Website: https://www.kotaksecurities.com/

9. Poonawalla Fincorp DSA

Poonawalla Fincorp also has a no-investment franchise opportunity as part of their DSA program in the NBFC loan distribution space. The DSA programme participants, or distributed sales agents, provide sourced personal, business, and used car loans to clients in different financial brackets. They also get paid significant commissions for their work with loan disbursement and get paid fairly quickly as well. The franchisees get to work with a company that has simple client documentation, fast loan disbursement, and streamlined loan product offerings. This financial service opportunity is best suitable for individuals who are entrepreneurial and have a strong network for client acquisition in the targeted market.

Business Model: Loan commission
Investment Required: ₹0 (free partnership)
Who Can Start It: Networkers, entrepreneurs
Registration Time: 10-20 working days
Earning Potential: ₹25,000 to ₹1.8 lakh per month
Official Website: https://poonawallafincorp.com/digital-partnership

10. Paytm Money Partner Program

Paytm Money has launched a completely new, zero investment franchise in India for the distribution of mutual funds, stocks and digital gold on its fintech platform. Partners leverage Paytm’s brand equity and wide user base to win clients for investment. The platform promotes client acquisition, transaction volumes, and offers simplified onboarding, educational resources, and other powerful features. This opportunity is well suited for the young, digital-savvy crowd who are interested in social media marketing, digital customer engagement, and the rapidly changing fintech industry in India.

Business Model: Variable commission
Investment Required: ₹0 (completely free)
Who Can Start It: Tech-savvy youth
Registration Time: 3-7 days
Earning Potential: ₹10,000 to ₹60,000 per month
Official Website: https://www.paytmmoney.com/affiliate

Zero Investment Financial Franchises (Highest Earning Potential)

Sub-Broker Franchise: Partnerships in stock broking provide 60-80% revenue sharing, and through active client trading each day, there is unlimited earning potential.
Mutual Fund Distributor: Earn recurring passive income through trail commissions by growing client assets under management, which provides long-term consistent income.
Insurance Advisor Franchise: Commissions are paid the first week and every year after, providing long-term income with the growing policy portfolio.
DSAs: Loan distribution offers the highest commissions per transaction, between 0.5-2.5% on processed large disbursal amounts.
Fintech Partner Programs: Businesses are scalable with the use of digital technology for increased online customer acquisition.

How to Start a Franchise with No Money in India

Franchise Category Choice: Sectors that align with your skills, interests, and local market needs should be researched for the best chances in business.
Partner Registration: online applications, document submissions, and certifications such as NIBS or AMFI are required.
Client Acquisition: Systematic long-term client growth can be achieved through social media, local community marketing, and digital methods.
Earn Commissions: Client acquisition and excellent service will provide your revenue back on a monthly basis, through the commissions from your clients.

Conclusion

A zero investment franchise in India democratizes entrepreneurship by breaking financial barriers to business ownership. Be it sub-broking, mutual fund distribution, insurance advisory, or DSA partnership-the choice is totally yours because all these options guarantee legitimate income with no risk of capital loss. Success demands only time devotion, continuous learning, and relationship skills-not money. Given the rising financial services sector in the country, 2026 is a very good time to take up a zero investment franchise opportunities in India. Now, choose your category with care and pledge excellence to create your own entrepreneurial dream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are zero investment franchises a legitimate business opportunity in India?

Yes, many reputed firms like Zerodha, HDFC Bank, and LIC offer genuine zero-fee partnership programs using commission-based models for market expansion.

What kind of qualifications are required to initiate a zero investment franchise?

Minimum qualification for most programs: 10+2, Age 18+, and basic communication skills; some require specific certifications like NISM or AMFI depending on the category.

How much can I realistically earn from a zero investment franchise?

Earnings range from ₹10,000 to ₹2 lakh every month, depending on effort, client acquisition, market conditions, and the chosen business category or partnership model.

Is it possible to initiate a zero-investment franchise as a part-time business?

Absolutely. Many partners begin part-time while employed, gradually transitioning to full-time as their client base and commission income grows consistently over time.