Best Franchises for Passive Income: Top Opportunities for 2026

Best Franchises for Passive Income

Investing in a franchise is an excellent way to generate passive income, especially for those looking for a business that requires less day-to-day involvement. While many franchises demand active participation, there are several opportunities that allow franchisees to step into a more semi-absentee or passive role. These franchises typically have proven systems, low overhead, and strong management teams in place, allowing franchise owners to enjoy the benefits of business ownership without constantly being involved in daily operations. If you’re looking to invest in a franchise that can generate passive income, here are some of the best options.

1. Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness is a 24-hour gym franchise that offers a low-maintenance, recurring revenue model. With memberships, once the initial setup and management systems are in place, the daily operations are fairly automated. Members access the gym using their key fobs, and the staff is minimal. This franchise has a relatively low overhead, and its business model relies heavily on membership dues, providing a steady stream of income for owners.

Why it’s ideal for passive income:

Minimal daily management needed.

Recurring membership fees provide consistent revenue.

Franchise owners can hire local managers to oversee operations.

Tip: If you prefer a semi-absentee role, this franchise allows you to focus more on growth while outsourcing day-to-day operations.

2. Jazzercise

Jazzercise is a fitness franchise that offers group dance classes with a focus on fun and fitness. This business model allows franchisees to hire instructors to run the classes, leaving the owners with the flexibility to manage multiple locations with minimal time investment. Once the right team is in place, franchisees can earn passive income by collecting fees from instructors and members.

Why it’s ideal for passive income:

Franchisees can hire instructors to run classes.

The business model is based on recurring memberships, class fees, and instructor commissions.

Minimal management required after initial setup.

Tip: Invest in locations with high demand for fitness classes and hire skilled managers to ensure operations run smoothly.

3. Tutor Doctor

Education franchises like Tutor Doctor are great options for passive income because they allow owners to hire tutors to run the business. You can operate this franchise from home, and the business is flexible in terms of hours. Once the franchise has a strong team of qualified tutors, your role mainly involves overseeing operations, marketing, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Why it’s ideal for passive income:

Can be run with minimal staff and active involvement.

Growing demand for tutoring services creates a strong customer base.

Business model based on recurring income from clients.

Tip: Focus on building a network of professional tutors and implementing marketing strategies to generate consistent business.

4. Cruise Planners

Cruise Planners is a travel agency franchise that allows you to operate remotely and earn passive income by booking cruises and travel packages for customers. Franchisees can hire staff to handle day-to-day tasks, and the business can be run from anywhere with an internet connection. As the travel industry continues to grow, Cruise Planners franchisees benefit from commissions on travel bookings.

Why it’s ideal for passive income:

Can be operated from home or an office.

Strong brand reputation and large customer base.

Minimal operational requirements once established.

Tip: Leverage marketing tools provided by the franchisor to build a customer base and outsource booking tasks to agents.

5. The UPS Store

The UPS Store franchise offers postal, printing, and shipping services, which are in constant demand. This franchise has a strong brand reputation and well-established systems in place for franchisees to follow. While initially there’s work to do in setting up the store and hiring staff, once everything is running smoothly, the business can be operated with minimal oversight from the owner.

Why it’s ideal for passive income:

Established systems and brand recognition make it easier to operate.

Hiring a manager to handle daily operations allows you to step into a more passive role.

Services are always in demand, ensuring steady cash flow.

Tip: Look for high-traffic locations and hire experienced managers to handle the daily operations for you.

6. Property Management Franchises

Investing in a property management franchise like Real Property Management allows you to oversee the management of residential or commercial properties. Once you establish a team and have the systems in place, the franchise can run itself with your role focused on strategic oversight and business growth. You can earn passive income through leasing and management fees.

Why it’s ideal for passive income:

Earnings are based on recurring revenue from property management contracts.

Can be run with minimal day-to-day involvement after initial setup.

Long-term growth potential in real estate markets.

Tip: Build a strong local team and focus on acquiring long-term clients to ensure continuous income flow.

7. Coffee News

Coffee News is a weekly publication that franchises advertise in, delivered in cafes and restaurants. As a franchisee, you can hire staff to sell advertising space and handle the distribution of the publication, allowing you to generate passive income. This is a highly flexible business model that can be run with minimal time investment.

Why it’s ideal for passive income:

The business can be run from home with flexible hours.

Franchisees earn income from ad sales, creating recurring revenue.

Minimal staff required for operations.

Tip: Build strong relationships with local businesses for ad sales, and consider partnering with a distribution team to handle logistics.