An Indian brand can go abroad through direct franchising, an area developer or a master franchisee. Most start with one strong partner per country, protect the trademark first through the Madrid Protocol, and plan withholding tax, GST and FEMA rules before signing.

A unit franchise lets you run one outlet. A master franchise gives you a whole territory to build, often with the right to appoint sub franchisees. Here is how the two differ on capital, team, time, fees and risk, who each route suits in QSR, and what to check before you sign.