Who is eligible for a “credit holiday” in 2026: what you need to know

24 February 04:08

Military personnel, conscripts, and reservists are exempt from paying interest and penalties on loans for the duration of their service. The so-called “credit holidays” are effective from the first day of conscription or participation in combat operations. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".

The exemption also applies to the wives and husbands of defenders.

What are “credit holidays”?

During the period of service, banks and financial institutions:

are not entitled to charge interest on loans;
cannot apply fines and penalties;
are not entitled to impose penalties for late payment.

The Ministry of Defense explained:

“This means that banks and financial institutions are not entitled to charge them penalties, fines, or interest on loans.”

At the same time, the principal amount of the loan (the body of the loan) is not written off — it will need to be repaid after the exemption expires.

Loans to which the privilege does not apply

The “credit holidays” do not apply to:

loans for the purchase of housing (including unfinished housing);
car loans;
loans for the purchase of energy equipment (photovoltaic modules, wind turbines with hybrid inverters),

if the interest on them is already compensated by the state or third parties.

Who is eligible for the benefit

1. Mobilized personnel and reservists

For this category, the benefit:

begins on the first day of conscription;
continues until the moment of discharge from service;
does not depend on the place of service (front line or rear).

“It is completely irrelevant to the law where you serve — on the front line or in the rear,” the Ministry of Defense emphasized.

2. Contracted military personnel

The key factor here is direct participation in combat operations or measures to defend the state — during the ATO, OOS, or after February 24, 2022.

If a soldier:

participated in combat operations for at least one day,
has supporting documents,

they are entitled to have interest and penalties written off from the first day of such participation.

The benefit is valid for the entire period of service during the special period.

If a contract soldier has not been involved in combat operations or defense measures, he will not be able to take advantage of the benefit.

Who is not eligible for the benefit

The “credit holidays” do not apply to:

foreigners;
stateless persons serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

What documents must be submitted to the bank

In order for the bank to stop charging interest and penalties, you must provide the lender with a package of documents.

For those who have been mobilized and reservists:

military ID or officer’s certificate;
certificate form No. 5 (on service);
extract from the appointment order (if necessary);
marriage certificate (if the spouse is applying for the benefit).

For contract soldiers:

military ID or officer’s ID;
certificate form No. 5;
excerpt from the appointment order;
document confirming participation in combat operations (certificate form No. 12 or other documents in accordance with procedure No. 413);
marriage certificate (if necessary).

All certificates are issued by the military unit at the place of service.