Top 10 Zero-Investment Franchise in India – Start a Business with ₹0!

Would you like to become an entrepreneur? A large number of individuals […]

November 12, 2025

23 min read

Would you like to become an entrepreneur? A large number of individuals in India do it, however, most of them halt short before they start. Why? They feel that they require a lot of money to hire a shop, purchase items, and set up. But what do you think when you can start a business with virtually nothing? It is possible in India. This is referred to as a zero-investment franchise.

This idea is growing fast. It is not necessary to have a large factory or office any longer. All you would need is a smart phone, an internet connection and the desire to work hard.This article will demonstrate to you how you can be your own boss without making that huge investment.

In this guide we will explore list of top Zero-Investment Franchise in India.

What Is Zero-Investment Franchise in India?

Normal franchise is comparable to the purchase of the name of a well-known shop. You have to pay them a big fee in case you want to start a McDonalds or a Subway. That is referred to as a franchise fee.A zero-investment franchise is another thing.

You are not required to pay a huge franchise fee to the company.You are a joint venture with one big, well-known company (a bank, a broker or an insurance company).

That is your task to get customers to that company.When a customer purchases a product (a loan, an insurance policy, or a stock market account) using you, the company gives you a part of their profit. That portion is referred to as a commission.

Thus, it is not money to which you invest. Your investment is your time, efforts and network of people.These are primarily the jobs of the finance world. The most common types are:

Sub-Broker: You assist people to open stock market accounts.
Mutual Fund Distributor: You assist people to invest in mutual funds.
DSA ( Direct Selling Agent): You assist individuals in getting loans with a bank.
Insurance Advisor: You assist individuals to purchase health or life insurance.
Fintech Partner: You are the one that makes people adopt a new money app.

Low Investment vs. Zero Investment: How is the Difference?

This is significant since a number of individuals become bewildered.

Low‑Investment Franchise:

You will have to spend a little money, however not much money.Scenario: You are interested in opening a food franchise. The company may require you to pay 50, 000 rupees on the cart, brand name and the initial batch of food.You pay a fee, but it is low (not crores). It is still a physical product you have to deal with.

Zero‑Investment Franchise:

There is no franchise fee to enter the company. You would like to work as an insurance advisor of LIC. LIC will not request you to pay 1 lakh to become a member. Their partner program can be joined on a free basis. Selling digital financial products is your primary occupation. You do not require a store or a warehouse.

One Small Catch:

Being absolutely frank, zero does not necessarily mean zero.in order to qualify as an official insurance or mutual fund advisor, you need to pass an exam.IRDAI insurance exam can be 500-800.A NISM mutual fund exam can range to cost 1500.

However, this is a little one-time payment of a certificate that is mandated by the government. Neither is it a franchise fee that you pay to the company. Your license and your own education are on your own dime. As opposed to paying lakhs to rent a food stall, paying a license of 1500, which earns you lakhs is zero judged investment opportunity.

The Way These Zero-Investment Franchises Work?

They do not just manage to give you a free job, being kind. They possess a clever company strategy. They have to grow, and you are the one that grows them. The usual methods of their performance are these:

1. No Franchise Fee Model

The main idea. Large corporations such as HDFC bank or Zerodha are interested in covering all small towns in India. They are not able to establish an office in every street. So they request local individuals such as you to become their partners. They do not make you a member since they need your assistance. You are their local expert.

2. Revenue Sharing / Commission Based Model.

This is how you get paid. The firm distributes its profits among you. You get a customer requiring 10,000,000 (10 lakh) in personal loan.You assist the customer to complete the form and acquire the loan.

we will pay our DSA a 1 cent of the loan amount.so the bank will give you 10, 000 Rupees over that single customer.This is “revenue sharing.” The loan is profitable to the bank, and the bank shares your revenue.

3. Brand Licensing With No Upfront Cost

You can take the famous name of LIC and HDFC Bank when partnering with them. When you meet someone new and greet him/her, saying, “Hi, I am Ramesh. You will not know how to get their money to invest.

But when you mention that you are Hi, I am Ramesh and that you are an official partner with HDFC Bank. People will believe me, I can assist you to obtain a home loan. You have the privilege of using the name of the company at no cost. That faith is your greatest weapon.

4. Small Dealership Business No investment.

This is merely a second word to the same concept. You are a dealer of the company products. It requires crores of rupees to construct a showroom by a car dealer. You as a dealer of financial product just require your phone. You are a digital dealer.

What Are the Reasons These Franchises are Booming in India?

The model of business is expanding at an accelerated rate. The plain reasons why are as follows:

Internet and Smartphones: This was difficult ten years ago. You were forced to print some forms and walk to an office. Everybody owns a smartphone today. You are able to register a new client on the bus, at home or even from a tea stall. This has been achieved through the movement of Digital India.
Requirement of supplemental Revenue: The cost of all things is increasing. The 9-to-5 work of one of the family members is not sufficient to most families. Individuals desire an extra job or a second income. This is ideal with a zero-investment franchise. You can either do it during your free time, during your weekends or at the end of your working day.
Organizations Must access the masses: India is a very huge nation with 140 crore inhabitants. Mumbai or Delhi based big companies have no means of accessing a farmer in a Bihar village or a teacher in a town in Tamil Nadu. They require local partners who are conversant with the local language and are credible in that community.
Financial Market Expansion: Indians are becoming more knowledgeable of money. They desire buying stocks, mutual funds, and taking health insurance. This has made a massive demand of these products. And where demand, there is need of salespeople (that you!).
Work From Home: The COVID-19 taught all people that you do not have to visit an office to work. Individuals enjoy the autonomy of working at home, working in their own hours and being the boss. This is what this model provides.

Top 10 Zero Investment Franchises in India (2026 List)

Rank	Company / Franchise	Business Type	Investment Required	Earning Potential (Per Month)	Business Model	Who Can Start	Registration Time
1	Zerodha Partner Program	Stockbroking / Sub-Broker	₹0	₹20,000 – ₹1,00,000+	Brokerage Sharing (10–20%)	Bloggers, Students, Traders	2–3 Days
2	Upstox Partner Program	Stockbroking / Authorized Partner	₹0	₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000+	Fixed + % Commission	Influencers, Consultants	2–4 Days
3	NJ Wealth	Mutual Fund Distributor	₹1,500 (NISM Exam)	₹5,000 – ₹1,00,000+ (Long Term)	Trail Commission (0.5%–1%)	Retirees, Homemakers	1–2 Weeks
4	HDFC Bank DSA	Loan Distribution	₹0	₹25,000 – ₹1,00,000+	Commission per Loan (0.5–2%)	Real Estate Agents, CAs	1–2 Weeks
5	Tata AIA Advisor	Life Insurance Advisor	₹500–₹800 (IRDAI Exam)	₹10,000 – ₹80,000+	Commission (25–40%)	18+ Years, Good Communicators	1 Week
6	LIC Advisor	Life Insurance	₹500 (Exam Fee)	₹20,000 – ₹1,00,000+	Commission (25–28% 1st Yr)	Retired, Teachers, Anyone	1–2 Weeks
7	5Paisa Partner	Stockbroking / Sub-Broker	₹0	₹30,000 – ₹1,50,000+	Brokerage Sharing (Up to 60%)	Students, Traders	1–2 Days
8	KFintech Distributor	Mutual Fund Platform	₹1,500 (Exam)	₹5,000 – ₹1,00,000+	Trail Commission	Financial Planners, Advisors	1 Week
9	Poonawalla Fincorp DSA	Loan / NBFC Partner	₹0	₹30,000 – ₹1,00,000+	Commission (1%–2.5%)	Loan Agents, Self-Employed	1–2 Weeks
10	Paytm Money Partner	Investment Platform	₹0	₹10,000 – ₹40,000+	Fixed + Revenue Share (30–40%)	Students, Retailers, Locals	1–2 Days

10 Zero Investment Franchises in India (2026 List)

These are some of the most reliable and trusted firms that you can collaborate with at present.

1. Zerodha Partner Program

Zerodha is the largest Indian stockbroker and one of the most popular options for a Zero-Investment Franchise in India. It is used by millions of people to sell and buy stocks. The Zerodha Partner Program allows you to invite individuals who are interested in commencing investment. You assist them in the opening of a Zerodha account with your partner link.

You do not touch their money or advise them. You simply take them to the stage. The Zerodha is well known and has low charges, hence sellable. This online company will help you locate customers on social networks, WhatsApp, or in your locality.

Business Model: You are a part of the brokerage fee that Zerodha takes. Clicking and investing- ₹0 ( Zero ) to enroll.
Who Can Start: It can be anyone above 18 years old with a good network, so financial bloggers, YouTubers, and college students are the frequent ones who do that.
Time of registration: 2-3 business days.
Earning Potential: 10 -20 percent life time brokerage fee. This is capable of making you 20,000-1,00,000+ monthly given that you develop a substantial customer base.

WebSite Link: www.zerodha.com

2. Upstox Partner Program

Upstox is another well-known stockbroker in India which is supported by such famous personalities as Ratan Tata. It is also among the leading options for those looking to start a Zero-Investment Franchise in India. They have a comparable partner program as Zerodha. You get to be an Authorized Partner. You aim at targeting new customers to Upstox.

You get a unique link to share. And as soon as a person clicks, creates an account and begins trading, you begin to earn. Upstox has a quick mobile application which most young investors prefer. It provides you with a dashboard where you can view all your clients and incomes in real-time.

Business Model: You get a fixed commission (₹300-500) on new accounts opened, and percentage (30-40) on the amount your clients pay out as a commission to the brokerage.
Investment: 0 as a basic partner plan.
Who Can Cause It: Influencers in social media, financial consultants, and anyone that has many friends.
Registration Time: 2-4 workdays.
Earning Potential: It can earn up to 1,00,000 per month and beyond based on your referrals and their trade.

Website Link : www.upstox.com

3. NJ Wealth – Mutual Fund Distributor

NJ Wealth is a one of the largest platforms in India that provides assistance to people who sell mutual funds. It is not one of those get rich quick businesses. It is a company that accumulates wealth gradually and steadily.

You are supposed to be a qualified Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). You assist individuals in budgeting their financial objectives such as education of a child or their retirement. Then you assist them to invest their money in good mutual funds on an SIP basis every month. The paperwork and tracking is done on the NJ wealth platform. This is a business that is founded on trust over the long term. Customers remain with you 10, 20 or 30 years.

Business Model: You receive a commission of as much as a trail fee as long as your clients remain invested. This is commonly 0.5 percent to 1 percent of the sum of money that they have invested.
Investment Needed: Necessarily Low. It only requires the NISM Series V -A exam, which costs approximately 1500.
Who Can Start: Housewives, retired bankers or anyone that is patient and trust building.
Time to registration: 1-2 weeks (Upon passing NISM exam).
Earning Potential: It is a long-term game. You can only make 5000 a month during the first year. However, in 5-10 years, once the money of your clients increases, you may earn 1,00,000 and more every month.

WebSite Link : njwealth.in.

4. HDFC Bank DSA (Direct Selling Agent)

HDFC Bank is among the largest and most reliable private banks in India. A DSA is a Direct Selling Agent — you can simply say that you are a loan partner of the bank. You are not employed in the bank but work as an independent partner. This model is one of the most popular forms of a Zero-Investment Franchise in India, allowing individuals to earn without any upfront capital.

Your task is to identify individuals within your city that require a loan. This can be a personal loan where the idea is to have a wedding, a home loan where the idea is to have a new flat, a car loan, or a business loan. You receive their paperwork and submit it to the bank. All the checking is done by the team of the bank. At the time of loaning it out, you receive payment.

Business Model: You get a one time commission on the loan value. For a personal loan, this is 1% – 2%. For a home loan, it is 0.5% – 1%.
Investment Required: ₹0 (Zero). All you have to do is open an account with the bank.
Who Can Start: Real estate agents, chartered accountants, car dealers or any one who meets a lot of new people.
Registration Time: 1-2 weeks to get registered.
Earning Potential: On a deal of one home loan, you can make 25,000 (at 0.5) should you assist in selling 1 home loan of 50 lakhs. The potential is very high.

Website Link : www.hdfcbank.com

5. Tata AIA Insurance Advisor Program.

Tata AIA is a joint venture between the Tata Group (an extremely reputable name in India) and AIA Group (a large global judicial firm). Being an insurance advisor will imply that you assist people in covering their families. You sell life insurance policies and term plans. This opportunity is considered one of the most rewarding options for those looking for a Zero-Investment Franchise in India, as it allows you to start earning without any upfront cost.

In case of a death, the family will receive a huge amount of money to survive. It is your task to clarify people about this need. You also sell plans that assist people in saving towards their future. Tata AIA offers great training and online technologies, free of charge, to enable you to deal with your customers and your sales.

Business Model: You receive a high commission (25% -40) on the first-year premium (the amount that the customer pays). You also get a lesser commission (approximately 5) each year they renew the policy.
Investment: Almost Zero. You will have to pass the IRDAI (insurance) exam that is around 500-800.
Who Can Start: Anyone who is of 18 + years old and has cleared Class 10. Good when people are good at explaining things.
Registration Time: 1 week (on passing the exam).
Earning Potential: 10000 to 80000 per month. Top advisors earn much more.

Website Link : www.tataaia.com

6. LIC Agent / Advisor Franchise

It is the oldest and the most renowned Zero-Investment Franchise in India. The LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India) is the most reputable brand of insurance owned by the government in the country. The name LIC is familiar in almost every Indian family.

You are supposed to be the financial doctor of a family as an LIC agent. You assist them in child education plans, pension plans, and life insurance. This is because the trust in the LIC brand is so high that it makes your work easier. They provide excellent training in their centers.

Business Model: You make a commission on the premium. In most plans, this is 25% -28% during the first year, and thereafter 7.5% renewal commission in the second and third year, after which it would be 5% life-long.
Investment Needed: Investment required is near zero. You have to pay an IRDAI exam fee (approximately 500) and a minor registration fee.
Who Can Start: Anyone. It is one of the most popular jobs of teachers, retired government workers and self-employed individuals.
Registration Time: 1-2 weeks upon successfully writing the exam.
Earning Potential: It is not unusual to earn 20-50000 a month. Most top agent agents make lakh per month.

Website Link : www.licindia.in

7. 5Paisa Partner Program

The other dominant discount stockbroker, comparable to Zerodha and Upstox, is 5Paisa. Their program on partnering is highly aggressive and simple to participate. They would want to ensure that anyone could easily begin earning. Your assignment is to refer the clients to open 5Paisa demat (stock market) account.

They are also reputed to be giving extremely high commission rates particularly when new. As an example, they may have such offers as 100 percent Brokerage Sharing in the first three months. This makes you make much money in a short time. They also provide you with marketing material and a dashboard to monitor revenue.

Business Model: large percentage of brokerage (as much as 60) on life. They also charge you a flat rate (i.e. 300 INR) per additional account you open.
Investment Required: ₹0 (Zero).
Who Can Start: Students of colleges, traders, YouTubers, and all people who are present on social media such as Telegram or WhatsApp.
Registration Time: 1-2 working days. Very fast.
Earning Potential: 30,000 to 150,000 and more monthly since their rate of sharing is very high.

Website Link : www.5paisa.com

8. KFintech -Mutual Fund Distributor.

KFintech is a large technology firm that operates the business of several large mutual fund firms. They provide a platform to the distributors, just like NJ Wealth. You will have a strong application and website when you collaborate with KFintech. This model is also seen as a Zero-Investment Franchise in India, as it allows you to partner and earn commissions without any upfront capital.

It is possible to sell mutual funds of HDFC, ICICI, SBI, and nearly all other companies in one place. It is its clients who are relieved of the burden of having to use many apps to see their investments. It is possible to use your time to find clients, and KFintech does all the technology.

Business Model: You get a trail commission on the investments of your clients.
Investment need: Close to Zero. To get an ARN (your distributor license), you need to have an NISM V-A exam certificate (about 1500). Not only Chartered Accountants, financial planners or anyone who is determined to create a long-term advisory business.
Registration Time: 1 week (when you receive your ARN number).
Earning Potential: A constant and rising income starting at approximately 5,000 per month and increasing to 100,000 per month in years.

Website link : www.kfintech.com

9. Poonawalla Fincorp DSA

Poonawala Fincorp is a reputed Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) which provides loans. They have a reputation of offering both personal and business loans on a fast and electronic basis. You are a DSA (Direct Selling Agent) of Poonawala Financorp whose responsibility is to identify people or small business proprietors who require money urgently.

The reason why most customers like them is due to their fast and electronic process. You become the connection between the customer and the company whereby you assist with the application and the company does the rest. This is a sales‑focused job.

Business Model: You earn a commission on each loan that is being disbursed. This typically ranges between 1% and 2.5 percent of the loan.
Investment Required: ₹0 (Zero).
Who Can Start: Loan agents, and any given self-employed individual who has a good business network to start with.
Registration Time: 1-2 weeks.
Earning Potential: Very high. With an average business loan of 20 lakh, and an interest rate of 1.5, you will make approximately 30000 (1.5) on that one business deal.

Website link: www.poonawallafincorp.com

10. Paytm Money Partner Program

Everybody in India is aware of Paytm. Their investment platform, Paytm Money, enables individuals to purchase stocks, mutual funds, and others directly through the Paytm application. This program is also considered one of the easiest ways to start a Zero-Investment Franchise in India, as it requires no upfront cost and offers great earning potential. The largest strength is that the app is already in possession of millions of individuals.

Your work, as a Paytm Money Partner, is to demonstrate such users how to begin investing and assist them to activate their account in a stock or mutual fund. Due to the trust that people have in Paytm, one can easily begin a conversation. The company charges you on every new investing client you refer to the company.

Business Model: You make a fixed charge (e.g., ₹250 -400) when a new client opens an account and begins investing. You also get a share (30%-40) of the amount of revenue they bring in.
Investment Required: ₹0 (Zero).
Who Can Start: Shopkeepers locally, college students, and those who use Paytm on a daily basis.
Registration Time: 1‑2 days. It’s very fast and all digital.
Earning Potential: ₹10,000‑₹40,000 per month. Great as a side income.

Website link : www.paytmmoney.com

Zero Investment Financial Franchises (Biggest Profit Potential)

Each of the options is good, however, it fits various types of people. We shall see which of them has the best earning potential.

1. Sub-Broker Franchise (Zero Fee Model)

You receive a percentage of the brokerage (the trading charge) whenever your client buys or sells a stock.

This is a source of passive income. Just once will have to be enough to find your client. Then you continue to be supplemented by them over the years. Assuming that you have 500 clients who trade on a regular basis, you can make a very large and consistent income without having to do new work. It is the most suitable model of long and scalable revenue.

2. Free Registration Options, Mutual Fund Distributor.

You will get a small trail commission on the overall value of the investment of your client.

The market increases with time. Therefore when your client invests 1 lakh he may increase to 5 lakh in 10 years even as he does not bring in any new money. The value that you increase your commission by, is a compounding advantage. This is a sluggish business that can accumulate a lot of wealth in the long run.

3. No Fee Model Insurance Advisor Franchise

A big commission (25 -40%), with the first year. This is the most suitable one in case of quick earnings and huge income. You might have a sale of a policy in which the client only has to pay ₹1,00,000 annually, in which case you might make 30,000 in a single sitting.

It is also a source of renewal income over a long period of time. This model will give you a huge initial payment and a smaller payment in the long run.

4. DSA Franchise (Banks & NBFCs)

You get a one-time payment each time a loan is issued. The reason why it has high potential is that, it is a big business. One can be a home loan of 50 lakh rupees and a business loan of 1 crore rupees. Even 0.5 percent on such sums is a lot of money ( 50,000 or 25,000).

It will take you to earn higher than most high-paying office jobs in case you make only 2-3 large deals every month.

How to Start a Franchise in India (No Money required)

These are your 4-step startup plan. It is easy and it cannot be done without the steps.

Step 1: Select your franchise category.

First, think about yourself. What do you enjoy?
Do you prefer the stock market and quickness? Pick Sub -Broker (Zerodha, Upstox).
Do you like taking time, organizing and establishing long-term trust? Pick Mutual Fund Distributor (NJ Wealth).
Are you a good salesperson to seal mega deals? Pick DSA (HDFC Bank, Poonawala).
Do you love people and desire to support them to save families? Pick Insurance Advisor (LIC, Tata AIA).
Pick one. Attempting to do them all simultaneously is inadvisable.

Step 2: Get Your License (Where necessary).

You can pass this step at this point, should you have selected Sub-Broker or DSA.
In case you have selected Insurance, then you have to go to the IRDAI site, identify a training institute, and complete the IC-38 examination. This is approximately ₹500 -800 in one week.
In case you selected Mutual Fund you have to visit NISM site, take examination, NISM-Series-V-A and pass it. This is approximately 1,500 and can be studied in 1-2 weeks.

Step 3: Register as a Partner

Visit the official site of a company that you selected (e.g., zerodha.com, licindia.in).
Click on the arrow that reads “Partner, Become an Advisor, or Partner with Us.
Fill out the online form. They will require your PAN card, Aadhaar card and bank details (in order to pay you).
Also needed are exam pass certificate (in the case of becoming an MFD or Insurance agent).
The company will confirm your information and will provide you with a Partner Code or Agent Code. This is your unique ID.

Step 4: Receive Training and Sold to Customers Free of charge.

Free training will be offered at all of these good companies (LIC, Zerodha, HDFC). They will educate you on their goods. You should be present at this training.

Now, start promoting. This is the part that is the most important.
Begin with the familiar (your natural market): family and friends, former workmates.
Inform them: I have now become an official partner of LIC. I can assist you in the checking of your old policies and establish whether you have sufficient insurance.
Use WhatsApp. Make a simple status: Starting to invest? I am a registered partner at Zerodha and I can assist you to open your account at no charge.
Add interested Persons To Sign them up with your Partner Code. You receive your first commission when they do a purchase. You have now officially become a business owner.

Conclusion

It does not require a large bank loan to start up a franchise business in India. The game has been played with the zero-investment franchise.

Those are only a phone, willing to learn, and the courage to speak to people. It is not a get rich quick type of scheme. You are not going to be a millionaire overnight. During the initial months, you may just earn 5000 rupees. However, when you are sincere, work hard and establish a trust, your revenue will increase.

It is not only a product you are selling. Being a DSA, you are handing the keys of a new home to a family. As an MFD, you assist a parent in saving towards the college education of his or her child. You save a family, as an Insurance Advisor, a family crisis. It is a company to be proud of. It only requires you to begin in order to invest in it.

FAQs

Is it really Zero-Investment Franchise possible?

Yes. You do not pay any huge franchise fee. There might be a little survey fee (such as ₹500 or 1 500) to receive a government licence of insurance or mutual funds, but a personal-qualification fee.

Is it possible to do this by a student or a housewife?

Yes. This suits best with students (18 plus), housewives and retirees. You have the opportunity to work part time at home and determine your own time.

Do I need an office?

No. You do not need an office. Your smartphone is your work place. All work can be done online.

How much money will I get?

It is all 100% through your hard work. It is a commission‑only job. If you do no work, you earn zero. With your hard work, you can receive the side income of 10000 rupees, and become 100000 rupees every month as a business full-time.