Franchise Cost Guide

How Much Does a Subway Franchise Cost?

$199,135–$536,745. US restaurant estimate; building size, configuration and location vary.

Subway Franchise at a Glance

Availability and operating model

Subway is seeking multi-unit applicants and buyers interested in acquiring at least five existing restaurants.

United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor

Subway US franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Web page references the FDD without giving its issue year.

View the Subway chain profile →

Investment, Fees and Financial Requirements

Amounts are in US dollars. An initial franchise fee, a separate development fee and candidate capital requirements describe different obligations. Check each estimate’s format, geography, exclusions and document basis before using it in a project budget. Royalty and advertising rates do not cover every operating expense.

Initial investment / development estimate: $199,135–$536,745
US restaurant estimate; building size, configuration and location vary
Subway US franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Web page references the FDD without giving its issue year.
Initial franchise fee: $15,000
US; per restaurant
Subway US franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Web page references the FDD without giving its issue year.
Separate development fee: Not verified in reviewed sources
United States
No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory.
Subway US franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Web page references the FDD without giving its issue year.
Liquid capital / personal funds: $100,000
US; minimum per location
Higher requirements may apply by territory.
Subway US franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Web page references the FDD without giving its issue year.
Net worth: $150,000
US; minimum per location
Higher requirements may apply by territory.
Subway US franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Web page references the FDD without giving its issue year.
Royalty / service fee: 8%
Percentage of gross sales
Subway US franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Web page references the FDD without giving its issue year.
Advertising / marketing contribution: 4.5%
Percentage of gross sales
Subway US franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Web page references the FDD without giving its issue year.

Operating and Candidate Requirements

Restaurant, business or franchising experience is preferred for the applicant or an equity partner; a three-week training program is required.

United States; confirm the format and territory with the franchisor

Subway US franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Web page references the FDD without giving its issue year.

What to confirm before committing capital

The available territory, restaurant format and required number of restaurants.
Whether the estimate covers land, construction, equipment, financing, training and working capital.
How initial and development fees are charged, credited or included in the investment estimate.
The full recurring-fee schedule, sales definition, operating commitment and current agreement terms.

Sources and Dates

A source check records when we reviewed a page; it is not the page’s publication date or the date of an FDD. Where an official web summary refers to an FDD, that document basis is recorded below. It does not mean we independently reviewed the complete FDD. Historical references remain labeled with their stated year.

Subway US franchise FAQSource checked 2026-10-01 (America/Los_Angeles).Document basis: Web page references the FDD without giving its issue year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to open a Subway franchise?

Initial investment / development estimate: $199,135–$536,745. US restaurant estimate; building size, configuration and location vary.

What is the Subway franchise fee?

Initial franchise fee: $15,000. US; per restaurant. Separate development fee: Not verified in reviewed sources. United States. No applicable amount verified in the linked sources. Request the current disclosure for this format and territory. Confirm whether any fee is included in an investment estimate before adding it to a budget.

What are the ongoing fees for a Subway franchise?

Royalty / service fee: 8%. Percentage of gross sales. Advertising / marketing contribution: 4.5%. Percentage of gross sales. These rows are not a complete recurring-fee schedule; confirm other charges and the calculation basis in the current agreement.

How much cash do you need for a Subway franchise?

Liquid capital / personal funds: $100,000. US; minimum per location. Higher requirements may apply by territory. Net worth: $150,000. US; minimum per location. Higher requirements may apply by territory. Candidate funding requirements are different from restaurant development costs.

How much does a Subway franchise make per year?

This guide does not provide a verified revenue, owner-income or payback estimate. Costs and fees alone do not establish earnings. Review any financial-performance representation in the applicable disclosure, its restaurant sample and its expense assumptions before modeling a return.

Sources for these answers

Compare Subway with Other Franchises

Review source-backed requirements and differences in restaurant format, eligibility and operating commitment.

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Latest Subway News and Analysis

Subway’s EMEA Blueprint links ordering, kitchens and pickup

The January 2027 standard for new stores and remodels follows earlier technology trials. Local formats depend on demand.

Oct 8, 2026

Subway’s April BOGO Links a Two-Sandwich Deal to Sub Club

A two-sandwich offer can drive app orders and account sign-ups. Its value depends on displaced purchases, order contribution and later visits.

Sep 15, 2026

Port of Subs Is Coming to Your City: The 450-Location Expansion That Could Reshape the Sandwich Wars

Port of Subs, a Nevada sandwich chain that's operated quietly in the West for five decades, has inked deals for more than 450 new locations nationwide. Backed by Area 15 Ventures and RE/MAX co-founder Dave Liniger, the brand is targeting markets where Subway is retreating and Jersey Mike's hasn't yet saturated the field.

Mar 24, 2026

Subway Under Roark Capital: Same-Store Sales Rising, but the Footprint Keeps Shrinking

Roark Capital paid $9.6 billion for Subway in 2023 and has since posted 12 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth. Yet the U.S. store count has dropped below 20,000 for the first time in two decades. Understanding that contradiction is the key to understanding Roark's playbook.