Is it illegal for a branch to have no business license?

Legal analysis: If it is illegal, the branch can only operate with a business license, otherwise it will involve unlicensed operation and will be punished accordingly.

Legal basis: Branch companies can be established in Article 14 of People's Republic of China (PRC) Company Law. The establishment of a branch company shall apply to the company registration authority for registration and obtain a business license. A branch company does not have legal person status, and its civil liability shall be borne by the company.

A company may set up subsidiaries, which have legal personality and independently bear civil liabilities according to law.