Zaitseva's lawyer explained whether interest must be paid during loan holidays.

      September 15, 2025 17:47

      [172]

      Economy

      From October 1, 2025, self-employed individuals and representatives of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Russia will be able to apply for loan deferrals. This innovation is provided for by a new law recently adopted by the State Duma. The measure is aimed at supporting businesses experiencing temporary financial difficulties. It allows entrepreneurs to catch their breath and restore their financial stability.

      The initiative applies to all categories of small and medium-sized enterprises, including micro-enterprises, small and medium companies, as well as self-employed citizens. Yulia Khaider, vice president of the Association of Managers and Entrepreneurs, told the 360 TV channel about this.

      Different limits are set for different categories of business. Micro-enterprises with a staff of up to 15 people are allowed to have debt of no more than 60 million rubles. Small enterprises (up to 100 people) can count on a deferral if their indebtedness does not exceed 400 million rubles. For medium enterprises (up to 250 people) the limit is 1 billion rubles.

      It is important to note that when arranging a credit line the smaller figure is taken into account: the actual outstanding debt or the established limit. The program applies only to contracts concluded after March 1, 2024.

      To arrange loan holidays, several conditions must be met:

      1. No arrears of more than 30 days.

      2. No demands for early repayment.

      3. The company must not be in the process of liquidation, bankruptcy, or reorganization.

      4. The shareholding in the capital of other companies must not exceed 25%.

      5. Organizations from the financial sector and the gambling industry cannot use the deferral.

      A deferral can be obtained for each debt no more than once every five years. This also applies to loan obligations secured by collateral. The deferral may be granted for up to six months.

      Lawyer Ksenia Zaitseva emphasized that the deferral does not release borrowers from loan obligations. The contract remains in effect and interest accrues. After the end of the grace period, interest for that period is added to the outstanding amount and payments are recalculated. The creditor has no right to collect other payments during the deferral period, and the interest rate will remain the same.

      To arrange loan holidays an entrepreneur must apply to the bank with a statement and documents. The bank is obliged to provide an updated payment schedule.

      A deferral may be refused in the following cases:

      - Exceeding the established limits.

      - Arrears of more than 30 days.

      - Bankruptcy or liquidation of the company.

      - Court rulings on debt recovery.

      - Changes to the terms of the contract in the last five years.

      - A repeated application for a deferral within the current five-year period.

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