China's housing provident fund can cover more than home purchases under the rules effective September 20, 2026
The amended rules list nine withdrawal circumstances, including rent, renovation of an owner-occupied home and its property-management fees. The fund center must decide within three days of accepting an application.
What it takes
Free. Complete a withdrawal application.
What you may gain
The amended regulation permits withdrawals for nine categories, explicitly including rent, renovation of a home you occupy and its property fees. A housing provident fund management center must approve or reject an accepted application within 3 days.
Context & considerations
The balance combines your wage contributions and the employer's matching contribution. Untouched balances earn a low rate. The regulation also allows heirs and legatees to withdraw after the employee dies or is declared dead. Local centers set documentation and procedures; check the local service guide before visiting.
Research & references
State Council of China (2026). Decision Amending the Regulations on Housing Provident Fund Administration, Order No. 844, adopted at the 93rd executive meeting on July 31, 2026, effective September 20, 2026. Amended Article 24 permits withdrawals for: rent; purchase, construction, rebuilding or major repair of owner-occupied housing; housing-loan principal and interest; owner-occupied home renovation; its property-management fees; retirement; complete loss of working capacity with termination of employment; settlement abroad; and other housing consumption approved by the State Council. Article 25 sets the 3-day decision deadline. Article 18 requires employee and employer contribution rates each to be at least 5% of the employee's previous-year average monthly wage. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/2026/issue_12946/202608/content_7079363.html