Ukraine Raises Debt Threshold for Seizing Primary Homes to Protect Borrowers

Ukraine Overhauls Enforcement Rules: New Protections for Debtors

According to Главком: On April 7, 2026, Ukraine's Parliament passed Law No. 4833-IX, introducing significant changes to the country's enforcement procedures. The Ministry of Justice has now clarified how these new rules will work. The most notable change is the increase in the minimum debt required for authorities to seize a person's only home-from 20 to 50 times the minimum monthly wage. This measure is designed to shield individuals from losing their primary residence when facing severe financial hardship.

Property That Cannot Be Seized Under the New Rules

The updated regulations also include a clear list of assets that are exempt from seizure. These items are considered essential for basic living and dignity:

• clothing, footwear, and personal hygiene products;
• medication and necessary medical supplies;
• a minimal set of furniture and household appliances;
• food and drinking water;
• tools and equipment used for professional work, if that work is the debtor's only source of income;
• fuel for heating and cooking;
• state awards and commemorative honors.

During the ongoing state of martial law, additional safeguards have been introduced for borrowers. Specifically, there are restrictions on the forced seizure of property, and in most cases, pensions and scholarships cannot be garnished. Individuals are allowed to access funds from frozen bank accounts up to the amount of two minimum monthly wages per month. Enforcement actions are banned in occupied territories and active combat zones. Furthermore, a moratorium has been placed on the foreclosure of certain mortgaged homes.

Another key change strengthens protections for military personnel: while martial law is in effect and for one year after it ends, authorities cannot seize the primary residence of active service members. All banks will be required to join an automated system that connects with enforcement officers, streamlining debt management. If a small debt is fully repaid, any account freezes will be lifted automatically.

Overall, these new enforcement rules grant debtors greater leeway and reinforce their legal protections, especially under the conditions of martial law. The goal is to ease the financial burden on households and help them remain stable during tough times. These reforms represent a major step toward social protection and support for citizens facing financial distress caused by the ongoing crisis, particularly the war. Their implementation could have a lasting impact on the financial resilience of families across Ukraine and their ability to keep their homes.

In addition to the recent changes aimed at protecting borrowers, the Ukrainian government is also focusing on supporting its military personnel. This includes new financial assistance initiatives for wounded soldiers and conscripts. These lump-sum payments are part of broader efforts to ensure that those who serve the country receive the necessary support during challenging times. For more details on these new financial measures, see our coverage of the new lump-sum payments for military personnel.