The capital city of China's far western Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region Urumqi has reduced the limit for non-residents to gain permanent residency, the local news portal Tianshannet.com.cn reported Tuesday, citing a notice by the city government.

Non-residents, including property buyers and local residents' relatives, will now be able to apply for permanent residency in the city with less hassle, according to the notice.

Up until recently home buyers could only gain residency for their family if they purchased a new house above a certain size. Under the new scheme there is no minimum requirement.

The change in Urumqi's permanent residency rules is seen as a renewed effort to lure investment, which is in line with the country's efforts to boost the development of China's western regions.

Late last month, China's top banking regulator Liu Mingkang pledged the country's financial institutions will be actively guided to enhance financial services and support toward Xinjiang.