Housing fund (公积金) — what it is

China's housing provident fund — part of your salary your employer matches, sitting in an account that's yours. And you can take it all out when you leave.

Updated August 2026 · Shanghai rates: 5-7% each side.

The housing fund (公积金, gōngjījīn) is China's housing provident fund: a government-managed savings account that you and your employer both pay into each month (typically 5-7% of your salary each in Shanghai). It's designed to help with housing — renting, buying, or renovating.

How it works:

Both sides pay: you contribute 5-7% of salary, your employer matches 5-7%. The money goes into your account.
It's your money: unlike social insurance (where the employer's pension share isn't yours), the housing fund is fully yours — both contributions.
Uses while in China: pay rent (with a rental contract + filing), buy property, or withdraw for certain life events.
Leaving China: terminate employment, and you can withdraw the full balance — your contributions plus your employer's — with passport, residence permit and termination letter. This is a real lump sum: ¥30,000/month at 7%+7% for 3 years ≈ ¥150,000.

Practical notes:

Check your balance in the Suishouban app (公积金查询) or the housing fund center (12329 hotline).
Rental withdrawal needs a filed rental contract (rental filing) — worth setting up so you can access the fund.
When negotiating a salary, remember the housing fund is forced savings with an employer match — part of your total compensation.