By Kavita Mistry 
Are you thinking about starting a food delivery business or partnering with a well-known brand like Swiggy? You’re not alone. With the rapid rise in online food ordering in India, Swiggy has become one of the most trusted names in the industry. Most aspiring entrepreneurs are looking for ways to open a Swiggy franchise in India, hoping to benefit from the popularity of the brand and its huge customer base.
But here’s the truth. Swiggy does not have a typical franchise business like quick-service restaurants. Instead, it provides various partnership models for individuals, restaurant owners, and delivery partners to partner with them and earn a living. It means that you can be part of Swiggy’s success without owning a franchise in the traditional sense.
In this article, our franchise experts have explained all the possible ways you can partner with Swiggy, how much it costs, and what the earnings look like. If you’re serious about building a business in India’s growing food tech space, this guide will give you everything you need to know.
Understanding Swiggy’s Business Model
Before you decide to start a Swiggy franchise in India, it’s important to understand how Swiggy works. Unlike traditional franchises, Swiggy doesn’t give out franchise licenses. Instead, it runs an online food delivery platform that connects restaurants, customers, and delivery partners using its mobile app and website.
Let’s break it down:
A. Customers
Customers use the Swiggy app or website to browse local restaurants, check menus, and place orders. Swiggy charges them a small delivery fee and earns a commission from the restaurant.
B. Restaurants
Restaurants partner with Swiggy to get more online orders. When a customer orders food, the restaurant prepares it, and Swiggy arranges for it to be delivered. Swiggy takes a commission from the total order amount, usually between 15% to 30%.
Read: Top Restaurant Franchise Opportunities in India
C. Delivery Partners
Swiggy works with thousands of freelance delivery executives across India. These delivery partners get paid per delivery and can work full-time or part-time. This gig-based model allows Swiggy to expand quickly without owning delivery fleets.
D. Cloud Kitchen Model (Earlier Known as Swiggy Access)
Earlier, Swiggy launched Swiggy Access, a cloud kitchen initiative that offered ready-to-use kitchen spaces to restaurants in new locations without them having to invest in physical outlets. However, in 2023, this part of the business was acquired by Kitchens@, and Swiggy now focuses mainly on its core platform and logistics.
In short, Swiggy is a tech-driven logistics and marketing company in the food sector. It connects people rather than owning or franchising any single business. So, while there’s no direct Swiggy franchise in India, there are still many ways you can work with them—and we’ll explore those next.
Can You Open a Swiggy Franchise in India?
If you’re wondering, “Can I start a Swiggy franchise in India?” — the short answer is no, at least not in the traditional sense. Swiggy doesn’t operate like a typical fast food or retail chain that offers franchise rights to individuals. It’s a tech platform, not a food brand. That means they don’t allow people to open Swiggy-branded outlets.
But don’t be disappointed—there are still many ways to partner with Swiggy and benefit from their massive customer base.
A. Become a Restaurant Partner
If you run a restaurant, food stall, or even a home kitchen, you can list your business on Swiggy. Once approved, your dishes will appear on the app, and customers in your area can start ordering. This is one of the most popular ways to earn from Swiggy.
B. Start a Cloud Kitchen
While you can’t open a Swiggy-branded kitchen anymore (as the Swiggy Access model has ended), you can still start your own cloud kitchen and register it on Swiggy. These are delivery-only kitchens with no dine-in space. It’s a low-investment way to start a food business and grow it online.
C. Work as a Delivery Partner
Another way to earn money with Swiggy is by signing up as a delivery executive. You just need a smartphone, a bike or scooter, and a valid license. You can work part-time or full-time and earn based on the number of deliveries you complete.
D. Set Up a Kitchen with Kitchens@
As mentioned earlier, Swiggy Access has been acquired by Kitchens@. If you’re interested in running a delivery-only food outlet with ready-to-use kitchen space, you can explore partnership opportunities with Kitchens@ instead. Your business can still be listed on Swiggy for online orders.
So, while Swiggy doesn’t offer a direct franchise model, you can still start a profitable business that works closely with Swiggy. In the next section, we’ll explore the steps to partner with Swiggy through the restaurant onboarding process.
Steps to Partner with Swiggy as a Restaurant Owner
If you’re running a restaurant or even planning to start one, partnering with Swiggy can help you reach more customers. Swiggy makes it easy for restaurant owners to list their business on the platform. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
- Before applying, make sure you have the following documents ready:
- FSSAI License (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)
- GST Registration (if applicable)
- PAN Card of the business or the owner
- Bank Account Details
- Menu with Prices and High-Quality Photos
- Having these documents in place will speed up the approval process.
Step 2: Sign Up on the Swiggy Partner Portal
Visit the official Swiggy Partner Registration page at https://partnerwithus.swiggy.com/.
Fill out the online form with basic details such as:
- Restaurant name and address
- Owner’s name and contact number
- Type of cuisine
- Operating hours
After submitting the form, the Swiggy team will contact you for verification and further steps.
Step 3: Wait for Verification
Once your application is submitted, Swiggy’s onboarding team will verify your documents and inspect your kitchen (if needed). They might also suggest some changes, like food packaging or hygiene improvements.
Step 4: Sign the Agreement
After successful verification, Swiggy will send you an online agreement to sign. This document outlines their terms and conditions, commission structure, and payment cycle. Read it carefully before signing.
Step 5: Listing Goes Live
Once the agreement is signed, your restaurant will go live on the Swiggy app. Customers in your delivery area will be able to view your menu and start ordering.
Step 6: Start Receiving Orders
You’ll need a smartphone or tablet with the Swiggy Partner app installed. This is where you’ll receive and manage incoming orders. Swiggy’s delivery executives will pick up food from your kitchen and deliver it to the customer.
Pro Tip: Add appealing food photos and maintain quick response times. Good ratings and faster deliveries often lead to more visibility and better sales.
Cost & Investment Required to Start a Business with Swiggy
The good news is that starting a Swiggy restaurant partnership doesn’t require a franchise fee. Instead, your investment mainly depends on setting up or running your restaurant kitchen and meeting Swiggy’s requirements.
Here’s a general idea of the costs involved:
Initial Investment Breakdown
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Setup (if new) | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 | Includes basic equipment, utensils, and storage |
| FSSAI License | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 | Mandatory for all food businesses |
| GST Registration | ₹500 – ₹1,000 (Professional) | Optional if your turnover is below the GST threshold |
| Food Packaging Material | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000/month | Includes containers, bags, stickers, etc. |
| High-Quality Food Photography | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 (one-time) | Swiggy recommends this to attract more customers |
| Swiggy Commission Fee | 15% – 30% per order | Varies by city, order volume, and type of cuisine |
| Smartphone or Tablet (for orders) | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 (one-time) | Needed to manage orders via the Swiggy Partner App |
| Internet Connection | ₹500 – ₹1,000/month | Stable Wi-Fi or mobile data for order management |
Total Estimated Investment
- Low Budget Setup: ₹70,000 – ₹80,000 (using existing kitchen)
- New Kitchen Setup: ₹1.2 Lakhs – ₹1.5 Lakhs+
These numbers can vary based on the scale of your business and the city you operate in.
Swiggy does not charge a one-time franchise fee like traditional franchise models. Instead, they take a percentage of each order as a commission, so your startup cost is mainly operational.
How Much Can You Earn with the Swiggy Partnership?
Earnings from a Swiggy partnership depend on a few important factors:
- Your menu pricing
- Number of daily orders
- Location of your kitchen or restaurant
- Type of food you serve (popular items tend to sell more)
- Customer reviews and delivery speed
Let’s break it down with an example.
Sample Monthly Earnings Calculation
| Particulars | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Average Order Value | ₹250 |
| Orders Per Day | 20 orders |
| Total Monthly Orders | 600 orders (20 x 30 days) |
| Gross Monthly Revenue | ₹1,50,000 (₹250 x 600) |
| Swiggy Commission (20%) | ₹30,000 |
| Packaging + Delivery Costs | ₹10,000 |
| Raw Material & Overheads | ₹60,000 |
| Net Profit | ₹50,000/month (approx.) |
💡 Tip: Businesses in prime locations or with a unique menu can do even better and reach profits of ₹70,000 to ₹1 Lakh per month with proper marketing and operations.
Many restaurant owners and cloud kitchens use Swiggy as a major income source or even run online-only food brands with no dine-in space. That saves costs and helps scale faster.
Tips to Succeed on Swiggy
If you want to grow your food business on Swiggy, it’s not just about signing up. You need to stay competitive and consistently delight your customers. Here are some practical tips:
⇒ Offer Popular & Unique Dishes
Make sure your menu includes fast-moving items like biryani, rolls, momos, or thalis. Also, try adding your own speciality to stand out from the crowd.
⇒ Maintain Food Quality & Hygiene
Good reviews come from great food and clean packaging. Stick to hygiene protocols and never compromise on taste or freshness.
⇒ Respond to Reviews
Customer feedback matters. If someone leaves a complaint or suggestion, reply politely and make improvements. It builds trust.
⇒ Use Good Packaging
Invest in spill-proof, eco-friendly packaging. It keeps the food fresh and makes a good impression.
⇒ Stay Online During Peak Hours
Most orders come in during lunch (12–3 PM) and dinner (7–10 PM). Make sure your restaurant is active during these hours.
⇒ Run Offers & Discounts
Swiggy allows you to run promotions. A 10% discount can increase visibility and bring more orders.
⇒ Use High-Quality Photos
Add clear, appealing photos of your dishes to your menu. Good visuals can boost order rates.
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Conclusion:
Starting a food business on Swiggy is one of the easiest and most effective ways to grow in India’s burgeoning food delivery market. Whether you own a small kitchen, a family restaurant, or a cloud kitchen, Swiggy gives you access to a huge base of customers with minimal upfront investment. By focusing on food quality, packaging, customer service, and smart pricing, you can create a profitable business that runs smoothly, even from your home.
If you’re passionate about food and ready to take the next step, registering on Swiggy as a restaurant partner might just be the perfect opportunity. Take the first move, and let your business grow one order at a time.
