China’s Revised Housing Provident Fund Regulations Take Effect, Expanding Withdrawal Options and Coverage
The newly revised 'Housing Provident Fund Management Regulations' officially took effect on September 20, 2026. The update expands eligible withdrawal scenarios from six to nine, allows flexible employment personnel to contribute voluntarily, and strengthens risk controls against fraud.
The newly revised "Housing Provident Fund Management Regulations" officially took effect on September 20, 2026. This revision marks a significant shift in how the fund is managed and accessed across China, aiming to broaden its utility for employees while tightening regulatory oversight.
One of the most notable changes is the expansion of eligible scenarios for withdrawing housing provident funds. The number of permissible reasons for withdrawal has increased from six to nine. Under the new rules, employees are now allowed to withdraw funds for renovating self-occupied housing and for paying property management fees for their homes. This adjustment extends the usability of the fund beyond traditional home purchases to include daily living expenses related to housing maintenance.
The regulations also address financial inclusion by permitting flexible employment personnel to voluntarily contribute to the housing provident fund. This group includes individual business owners, part-time workers, delivery drivers, courier staff, and ride-hailing drivers. Several cities, such as Yichang, Jinan, and Liuzhou, have already lifted restrictions on flexible employment personnel contributing to the fund, paving the way for broader adoption under the national guidelines.
To ensure the integrity of the system, the new rules strengthen risk control measures by defining legal liabilities for fraudulent activities. Individuals found guilty of fraudulent withdrawal of housing provident funds will face a ban on withdrawals or loans for three years. Those who acquire loans through fraudulent means will be subject to a five-year ban. These penalties are designed to enforce stricter compliance and protect the fund's resources.
Efficiency improvements are another key focus of the revision. The regulations promote nationwide mutual recognition of contribution records. This measure aims to simplify extraction procedures and shorten loan review times, facilitating smoother cross-regional business handling. Additionally, specific local implementations, such as in Gansu, have set a maximum withdrawal limit of 100,000 yuan for elderly-friendly renovations, reflecting tailored regional applications of the national policy.