Have you ever thought of being a business owner? Perhaps, you would prefer to be your own business, work at home, and make more money. However, you consider the price. You require a store, you require to purchase items and you require to charge a large sum of money. This is te end of the dream with most people.
But what if it didn’t have to?
A new form of business is expanding rapidly in the present day India. It is referred to as zero-investment franchise. This model will allow you to collaborate with large, well known brands without any large franchise fee.
This is a new form of working which is growing in popularity. Here’s a look at the numbers:
- More People Work for Themselves: The giant India has is its so-called gig economy (freelance, flexible jobs). Approximately 12 500,000 individuals are gig workers in 20242025. They are fond of the option of making their hours free.
- Franchise Market is Large: The industry of franchises in India is expanding rapidly. According to a 2024 report, the low-cost and no-cost models are one of the most popular trends, particularly in small towns.
- The Big, Big Gap: India includes more than 9crore (9 0 million) individuals who submit tax. Suppose, however, what is the number of registered investment advisors? Only about 930! Mutual fund distributors are limited to 1.76 000. This implies that millions of individuals require some financial advice as they do not have someone to consult.
This is where you come in. You are in a position to seal this void and establish a business out of it. This guide will show you how.
What Is a Zero investment Franchises in India?
Let’s make this simple. A zero investment franchise is not a free-shop. You do not get a free building or free products to sell.
Rather, zero-investment franchise is a partnership.
You collaborate with a large company that you trust (a bank, a stock broker or an insurance company). You are not paying them large initial fee (which may be lakhs or even crores) to license their brand name.
It is your business to get them customers. You tap your skills and your group of friends and relatives. Whenever you refer a client to the company, and the client consumes their service (such as the purchase of an insurance policy or a mutual fund), the company gives you a share. This compensation is referred to as commission or revenue share.
So, what is your “investment”?
- Your Time: You have to take time to know about the products.
- Your Effort: You have to meet and speak to people.
- Your Network: You leverage the trust you created with personalities.
They are primarily financial franchise since you are selling services and not tangible products. You do not have to have a warehouse and a shop. It only requires a smartphone and a good internet connection.
Types of Zero Investment Franchises.
These businesses are generally categorized in a couple of categories.
- Sub broker: You collaborate with a stockbroker (such as Zerodha or Upstox). You assist people in opening trading accounts. You make a percentage of the commission payment of the brokers on their transactions.
- Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD): You assist individuals to invest their money in mutual funds. A small trail commission is paid to you so long as the individual remains invested.
- DSA (Direct Selling Agent): You are associated with a bank (such as HDFC) or finance company (such as Poonawalla). You are the one who helps people to take loans (home loans, personal loans, etc.). When you are giving a loan, the bank gives you a commission.
- Insurance Advisor: You are associated with a company dealing in insurance (such as LIC or Tata AIA). You assist individuals to purchase life insurance or health insurance. You get a commission on what they pay in the form of the premium.
Those are Fintech Partner: This is an amalgamation of all the above. You collaborate with a fintech (financial technological) application (such as Paytm Money) and promote all their products.
Low Investment vs. Zero Investment Difference
This is a very crucial question. It is a bit of a blurred line. Let’s clear it up.
Low‑Investment Franchise:
- It is a conventional business.
- Investment: You pay a fee, perhaps 25000 or 1 lakh.
- What you receive: You may receive a small store (a “kiosk), products to vend, or an area (a special territory), in which only you are allowed to sell.
- Example A small food cart chain or a local courier delivery hub. Before you can money you have to spend money.
Zero Investment Franchise:
- This is a partnership model.
- Investment You pay no franchise fee, no brand fee.
- What you receive: You have the right to use the brand name (such as “LIC Advisor”) and training,a special online link or code to keep track of your customers.
- Example Becoming an HDFC Bank DSA. There is no money required to join HDFC Bank. You simply enroll and begin to locate loan clientele.
- One Little Glitch: At times zero investment is not zero. You may have to have a license to be a professional.
- In order to sell insurance, one has to pass an IRA exam. This exam costs about ₹450.
- In order to sell mutual funds, you have to pass a NISM exam. This exam costs about ₹1,500.
They are not fees that you pay to the company. They are fees charged by the government or a testing organization to certify. Making oneself a qualified professional is an expense. This is practically none in comparison with the lakhs required in a normal franchise.
The working of Zero Investment Franchises.
The concept is straightforward: You sell, you make. These are the general ways through which these models operate.
1. No Franchise Fee Model
This is the most common model. You become a member of the company on its webpage as a Partner or Advisor. You complete your information and submit your KYC (PAN card, Aadhaar card). Once they approve you then you are ready to begin. You paid nothing. (Examples: Upstox, 5Paisa).
2. Revenue Sharing / Commission-Based Model
This is how you get paid. You are not an employee, you are not getting a fixed salary. You get part of the cash that the company makes off the customers brought by you.
- Reason (Sub-broker): Your friend registers in Zerodha through your link. He trades and offers 20 as a brokerage. Zerodha will offer you half that of 40, and you receive 80. It is not so much, however, when you have 100 clients, and they trade frequently, it will.
- Example (DSA): You manage to get a 10 lakh personal loan of a bank to a cousin. That particular deal earns you 2% commission in the bank, which means that you make 20,000.
3. Brand Licensing Without any Upfront fee.
This is a big advantage. Once you become an employer of their brand name as an LIC Agent or as a Tata AIA Advisor. People already trust LIC. Selling a product belonging to a well-known brand is far easier to do, as compared to selling a product of a brand that no one knows. This trust and brand power are free to use.
4. Minor Dealership Business No Investment.
- This simply refers to the DSA or Agent model. Imagine that you are a one-person dealership. There is a large automobile dealership that is selling cars on behalf of a company. You are a one-man shop and sell loans or insurance to a bank. The paperwork, the money, the risk, all that is done by the bank. You just do what is easy: hook up the customer with the bank.
The reason behind the booming of these franchises in India.
These no money down business is wildfire in India. Here are the main reasons.
- Digital India: Everybody has a smart phone. You can manage your entire business using an app. You will be able to study online, get customers on social media and watch your income on a dashboard.
- The Gig Economy: Flexibility is desired by people. They don’t want a 9‑to‑5 desk job. You are a financial partner, which means you are your own boss. You will be able to work at night, during weekends, or full time. It’s your choice.
- Financial Awareness: More Indians are becoming aware of investment. They transfer their money in a simple bank fixed deposit to the mutual fund. They are aware that they require life and health insurance. They require assistance and you can be that assisted.
- No Risk, High Reward: What is the worst that can happen? In case you give it three months and you do not get any customers, then you do not lose anything. You spent no money. However, in case of a good performance, the income potential is unlimited.
- Work-from-Home Is the New Normal: The pandemic taught us that it is possible to work anywhere. These franchises are appropriate in a work-at-home life. You can be a student, housewife, retiree or another job holder. This is your part time business that grows to be a full time business.
Top 10 Zero investment franchises in India (2026 List)
These are some of the most favorable companies you can collaborate with at present.
1. Zerodha Partner Program (Sub-Broker)
Zerodha is the largest Indian discount broker. Their partner program is known as Zerodha Partner, is highly popular and is often mentioned among Zero Investment Franchises in India. You assist new users when opening a Zerodha trading and Demat account. You have to identify individuals interested in investing in stocks. You get a special link. Once an individual uses your link, he or she is connected with you permanently. Then you receive a portion of the commissions they give to their transactions.
- Business Model: Revenue Sharing.
- Investment Required: ₹0. Opening of partner accounts is free.
- Who Can Be Recruited: Influencers, financial bloggers, YouTubers, financial advisors, anyone with a large social following.
- Registration Time: 1 to 2 days.
- Earning Potential: Receive 10 percent of the brokerage made by your clients. Provided that you also are an Authorised Person (AP), the share may increase to up to 40% -50.
- Official Website: zerodha.com/partners.
2. Sub-Broker Program Upstox Partner Program
Another best discount broker in India supported by Ratan Tata is Upstox. They have a similar program to that of Zerodha. You would become an Authorised Partner of Upstox and recommend clients to open a trading account. They also have a model of revenue sharing. You receive a percentage commission of the brokerage generated by your referred clients. Upstox provides you with a dashboard to monitor all your clients and their activity, and your monthly income.
- Business Model: Revenue Sharing.
- Investment: 0 to 0 to be registered as a partner.
- Who Can Start: 21 years old with good communication skills and a basic understanding of computer and financial market.
- Registration Time: 2 to 3 days.
- Earning Potential: You will be able to earn 20 to 40 percent of the amount of brokerage earned by your clients.
- Official Web site: upstox.com/partner.
3. NJ Wealth -Mutual Fund Distributor.
NJ Wealth is an Indian company, one of the largest Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) platforms. Often recognized among Zero Investment Franchises in India, this is not a sub‑broker. In this case, you assist individuals to invest in mutual funds towards their long-term objectives (such as retirement or education of a child). In order to do so, you must take an exam that is called NISM Series V-A (Cost: 1500 rupees). When you pass, you are given an ARN (AMFI Registration Number). Then you will be able to collaborate with NJ wealth (it might require a refundable security deposit). They provide you with all the technology, training as well as support to handle the investments of your clients.
- Trail Commission Business Model. You receive a small percentage of the value of the investment of the client, annually, as long as they remain invested.
- Investment needed: approximation of 1500 (NISM Exam Fee) + 5000 (Refundable Deposit with NJ Wealth).
- Who Can Start: Financial planners, chartered accountants, or any person who is patient and willing to develop a long-term and stable business.
- Registration Period: 2-3 weeks (inclusive of study and examination time).
- Earning Potential: You are allowed to earn 0.5 percent to one percent per annum on the total money (AUM) that you are in charge of. When you handle 1 crore money then you get 50,000 to 1 lakh as a passive income annually.
- Web site: njwealth.in.
4. HDFC Bank DSA (Direct Selling Agent)
HDFC Bank is a large and most reputable Indian private bank. A DSA (Direct Selling Agent) is an authoritative partner of the bank. Your assignment is to locate individuals who require loans- home loans, car loans or personal loans and get their documents. Your role is to create a connection between the bank and the customer. The bank does the approving of the loan. It is you who only introduces the customer. This has the potential of being a high-income venture.
- Business Model: On a commission basis.
- Investment Required: ₹0. Registration is free.
- Who Can Start: It can be anyone who has good sales and networking skills. This is a side business done by CA, real estate agents and car dealers.
- Registration Time: 1 to 2 weeks.
- Earning Potential: Very high. On a 50 lakh home loan, 15,000-25,000 (0.3 percent to 0.5 percent) and personal loans, 1 percent to 2 percent, you can earn 0.3 percent to 0.5 percent and 1 percent to 2 percent respectively.
- Official Website: You would normally need to go to your nearest branch of HDFC bank and request the DSA registration desk.
5. Tata AIA Insurance Advisor Program.
Tata AIA is a company that is a joint venture between Tata group and AIA group which is a giant insurance company. Being a Tata AIA Advisor is to have permission to sell their life insurance and savings plans. You assist in getting the families on their feet. This involves first having to take the IRDAI IC-38 exam which is obligatory to all the insurance agents in India. Tata AIA has a great training program to pass the examination and know how to sell.
Commission on Premiums is a business model.
- Investment Required: ~₹1,500 to ₹4,500. This will involve the exam fees of the IRDAI, as well as the training and registration fee that is charged by the company.
- Who Can Start: Individuals that develop trust. It suits retired bankers or teachers and any other person who has an interest in financial planning.
- Registration Period: 2 to 3 weeks (exam and training).
- Earning Potential: You can make 2 to 6 per cent on life insurance payments. The actual money is in the so-called renewal commissions, you earn a lower percentage each time the customer pays his premium.
- Business Webpage: tataaia.com.
6. LIC Agent / Advisor Franchise
The oldest and largest and the most trusted brand of insurance in the country is life insurance corporation of India (LIC). Often listed among Zero Investment Franchises in India, becoming a LIC Agent is regarded as a dignified member of the society. It is the same process as in the case of Tata AIA: one has to pass the IRDAI exam. The advantage of LIC is its brand name. You need not be a salesman to sell LIC, you only need to remind people that they need it. The trust is already built.
- Premiums Commission Business Model.
- Investment:Very low (approximately ₹450 -500). These are the registration fee (₹150), online training fee (₹150) and IRDAI exam fee (₹150).
- Who Can Start: Person who has passed Class 10 and is above 18. It is a very pursued profession among individuals in every section of India.
- Registration Time: 2 to 3 weeks.
- Earning Potential: High. The first-year commissions may be as high as 25% of the premium. Thereafter you get a renewal commission of 5 to 7.5 per cent. over several years.
- Web Site: You have to address the closest LIC office and begin the process with a Development Officer.
7. 5Paisa Partner Program (Sub-Broker)
Another popular discount broker is 5Paisa. Their partner program is also reputed as being very easy and having a high paying commission structure. New partners are given a 100% Brokerage Sharing offer in the first 3 months. This implies that you retain all the brokerage generated by your clients within the first 3 months. Then you go to a high-revenue-sharing plan. It is an excellent means of beginning, and making money easily.
- Business Model Revenue Sharing.
- Investment Required: ₹0. Partners do not have to pay to open their account.
- Who Can Start: Financial influencers, students and any good networked person who desires to make a side income.
- Registration Time: 1 day.
- Earning Potential: The life time maximum brokerage sharing of up to 60% (after the initial 3 months).
- Offical website: 5paisa.com/partner.
8. KFintech -Mutual Fund Distributor (Platform)
This is noteworthy: KFintech is not a franchise per se. It is a Registrar and Transfer Agent (R&T). Most Indian mutual fund companies have them as a back office. They offer the medium through which MFDs operate. The franchise opportunity—often mentioned among Zero Investment Franchises in India is becoming a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). You need to take NISM V-A exam ( 1500 rupees) and obtain your ARN, as we spoke to NJ Wealth. After getting your ARN, you can sign in to sites such as KFintech or CAMS free of charge. They provide you with a dashboard to assist your clients to invest in any mutual fund.
- Business Model: Trail Commission.
- Investment: Approximately 1500 to do the NISM examination and then AMFI registration. Distributors are free to use the KFintech platform.
- Who Can Start: Any person that passes the NISM exam and desires to become an independent advisor.
- Registration Time: 2-3 weeks (in the case of NISM process).
- Earning Potential: 0.5 to 1 percent trail commission on the total amount of AUM under your management. This is a long-term, wealth-generating company.
- Official Website: https://www.google.com/search?q=mfs.kfintech.com (for distributors)
9. Poonawalla Fincorp DSA (Direct Selling Agent)
Poonawala Fincorp is a non-banking financial firm that is expanding at a rapid rate. It is reputed to provide personal and business loans on fast basis. You can assist your contacts to obtain these loans in case you are made a DSA to Poonawala Fincorp. It is simple to sell since it is an NBFC meaning that its process often takes shorter time compared to that of big banks. You locate the client, assist him to make applications and receive commission when the loan is issued.
- Business Model: Disbursement commission.
- Investment: Low (Maximum of 3,000) one time DSA registration fee.
- Entry Options: Chartered Accountants, financial consultants, and individuals who are acquainted with small business owners can start.
- Registration Time: 1 to 2 weeks.
- Earning Potential: Very high. Personal and business loans would also get 2.25 3 per cent.
- Company Web Site: poonawallafincorp.com.
10. Paytm Money Partner Program (Fintech Partner)**
Paytm is a name that everybody in India is familiar with. Its stock, mutual fund, NP and other platforms are Paytm Money. The partner program allows referring to the app. You are paid a commission whenever your users register and begin to invest or trade. The brand allows one to persuade someone to use a Paytm app easily. They are a discount broker as such the commission charged is low and it is an easy sell.
- Business Model: Revenue sharing + client acquisition fee.
- Investment Required: ₹0. Just register with your KYC.
- Who Can Start: Anyone. Better than good to students, and tech bloggers and people with a huge WhatsApp or Telegram following.
- Registration Time: 1 to 2 days.
- Earning Potential: You are entitled to earn 30 -40 per cent of the brokerage earned by your clients. They charge a flat rate (approximately 250) on each new customer who initiates trading.
- The company has a presence on its official site: paytmmoney.com/affiliate as well.
Zero Investment Financial Franchises (Maximum Earning Potential).
To get an idea of where the money can be made the most, lets divide them into categories.
1. Sub-Broker Franchise (Zero Fee Model)
- Zerodha, Upstox, 5Paisa are examples.
- How you make money: You receive a commission on every trade of your client.
- Revenue Potential: Strong volume. The frequency of the trade by clients determines your revenue. The few high-frequency traders can provide you with a very high and constant income. The prospect is unlimited yet has the capacity of increasing and decreasing with the market.
2. Mutual Fund Distributor (Free Registration)
- NJ Wealth, KFintech/CAMS platform.
- Earnings: You receive an annual trail commission on the entire investment.
- Earning Potential: This is best in long term, consistent wealth. It isn’t a get‑rich‑quick model. The first year is low income but it increases as the clients increase their investment and their money increases. It will be a real passive-income business in the future.
3. Insurance Advisor Non-Fee Model.
- Examples: LIC, Tata AIA.
- Your mode of earning: the first year you receive high commission (up to 25 000 pounds) and after that you receive lower renewal commission many years later.
- Earning Potential: Best first year earnings. A handful of big policies can be sold at a huge payout. Renewal commissions accumulate with time so as to provide a consistent income provided that the clients continue paying the premiums.
4. DSA Franchise (Banks & NBFCs)
- Examples: HDFC bank, Poonawala Fincorp.
- Your income model: You receive a large commission once on a loan was issued.
- Earning Potential: Maximum per-deal revenue. Locating a single customer to a 1 cr home loan would make you 30-50000 in a single instance. Income is lumpy, one month you may receive a lot of income and the next month you may receive none. Lucky to those who have the right connections (real estate agents).
How to open a franchise that has no money in 4 easy steps.
Feeling excited? You can start today. Here is the exact plan.
Step 1: Select your franchise category.
Ask yourself: What am I good at?
- Adore love the stock market and snap-on? Select a franchise Sub-Broker.
- Good at long-term advice, good patient? Build a Mutual Fund Business.
- Great salesperson who can make a deal? Become a DSA.
- Care about protection of families? Become an Insurance Advisor.
Step 2: Get Certified (If Needed)
This is the possible only cost.
- Sub-Broker / DSA / Fintech: No examination or certification required. Skip to Step 3.
- Insurance: Successes IRDAI IC-38 exam.
According to the NISM, the V-A exam must be passed to be a Mutual Fund Manager.
Visit the NISM or IRDAI websites and create an account and enroll in your exams. Prepare it–the most significant thing is to prepare it.
Step 3: FDSE Register as a Sub -Broker / Partner / Agent.
After you are done with the certificate (or even a certificate is not required), visit the site of the company.
- Locate the link to the partners or become an agent or DSA.
- Complete the application form online.
If you have an exam certificate, upload it as well, and have your documents: PAN card, Aadhaar card, a cancelled cheque and your exam certificate.
Your information will be confirmed and passed in a couple of days. And then they will send you your partner code or dashboard log in.
Step 4: Promote to Clients and Earn Commissions
This is the final and most significant step. Your business is now open!
- Start with the ones who are nearest to you. Share with relatives and close friends what you do. Demonstrate to them on how to open their first account or purchase their first policy.
- Social media such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Post useful tips, not just ads. Ask, I am a certified now financial partner. In case of loans, insurance or investing you need assistance, I can assist you.
- Be professional. Also be truthful and only prescribe items which the customer actually needs. Your best asset is trust.
Conclusion
It is no longer necessary to have much money to start up business in India. The new franchise is not about money it is about your network and trust. Zero Investment Franchises in India are changing the way entrepreneurship works by transforming your social network into your business. You collaborate with large brands in India, make friends and relatives financially stable and yourself have a high earning business. There is no need to have an office and a boss. All you have to do is to have a smartphone, the desire to learn and the motivation to initiate.
The opportunity is here. The market is huge. The question is: are you prepared to be your boss?
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is it really possible to make some money by not investing?
Yes, but know what you are putting into. It is not money, it is time and effort. Registering with partners such as Zerodha or 5Paisa is not charged. In case of insurance and mutual funds a license is given on a small exam fee ( 450-1500). It is a certification fee rather than a franchise fee.
How much money can I make?
It is up to you how much you make. It is 100 % commission.
- Earn up to 25,000Rs on one home loan as a DSA. As an insurance agent, a single large policy will bring you ₹10000. As a sub -broker, 100 active customers will provide you with a stable 20,000 -50, 000+ a month.
- Being an MFD, it will take time to take off but after 5 years you may be earning a constant passive income of 1 lakh plus a month in trial commissions.
Is I required to have an office or a shop?
No. Your office is your phone. It is possible to work at home, a bar, college. The partner dashboard only requires internet in order to speak to clients.
Is that something I can do with my ordinary job?
Yes. Majority of them begin it as a hobby. You may have to work during the evenings or weekend. Conversation with workmates at work (with permission). Get first clients through your job network. It is an easy means of making a second income.