Lisbon, Feb. 11, 2026 (Lusa) - The main banks are already making documents available to customers affected by Storm Kristin to join the moratorium, which allows them to suspend their loan payments for 90 days, until 28 April 2026.

The forms can be found at branches, company offices and on the digital channels of the main banks.

On 1 February, the government announced measures covering families, businesses, and public entities, including moratoriums on mortgage loans (for permanent homes) and business loans, and the suspension of monthly payments.

The decree-law, which sets out the rules for moratoriums, allows individual bank customers or companies in municipalities with a declared state of calamity to defer payment of principal, interest, and other charges on loans contracted until 28 January 2026, without entering into default.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Portugal has issued a statement with the main conditions for accessing the scheme:

+++ What to do to benefit from the moratorium? +++

Private customers must complete and submit to the bank, preferably electronically, a declaration of adherence to the moratorium, accompanied by documents certifying that their situation with the Tax Authority and Social Security is in order.

For companies, private social solidarity institutions (IPSS), non-profit associations, and other social economy entities, the declaration must be signed by the legal representatives.

+++ When does the moratorium start? +++

Within a maximum of five working days after receipt of the declaration and the documents required by the bank, even in the absence of a response from the institution.

If the customer does not meet the conditions for access to the moratorium, the bank must inform them within three working days.

+++ Are there any costs associated with the moratorium? +++

No. The Bank of Portugal has stated that institutions cannot charge customers any commissions, expenses or other fees.

+++ How long does the moratorium last? +++

The moratorium will be in effect for 90 days, between 28 January and 28 April 2026.

+++ Who can benefit from this scheme? +++

Customers with loans for the purchase or construction of their own permanent home, or with financial lease agreements for their own permanent home, prior to 28 January 2026, provided that:

- The properties are located in one of the 68 municipalities covered by the disaster situation (Cabinet Resolution No. 15-B/2026 of 30 January and Cabinet Resolution No. 15-C/2026 of 1 February).

- One of the customers is on lay-off in a company based or operating in those municipalities, even if the properties are outside the municipalities covered by the disaster situation.

- On 28 January 2026, they did not have any instalments in arrears or in default for more than 90 days, nor were they in a situation of insolvency, suspension or cessation of payments, or subject to judicial enforcement.

Companies, sole traders, cooperatives, agricultural producers' associations, entities owning agricultural and forestry holdings, private social solidarity institutions, non-profit associations, social economy entities and entities managing natural, cultural or sporting heritage, with credit agreements, provided that:

- They have their headquarters or economic activity in the municipalities affected by the disaster.

- They are in good standing with the Tax and Customs Authority and Social Security.

- On 28 January 2026, they did not have any instalments in arrears or in default for more than 90 days, nor were they in a situation of insolvency, suspension or cessation of payments, or subject to judicial enforcement.

+++ How does the moratorium work? +++

Loans with capital repayment at the end of the contract will be extended for 90 days, including interest, commissions, fees and guarantees.

For loans with instalment repayment of capital, or with instalment maturity of capital payments, rents, and interest due by the end of the moratorium are suspended, and the payment plan is automatically extended by a period equal to the suspension.

In addition, credit lines and loans granted cannot be revoked, either in whole or in part.

+++ What happens to interest? +++

Interest due during the moratorium period will be added to the outstanding capital from the moment it becomes due.

However, interest may not be capitalised if the customer requests only the suspension of capital repayments, in whole or in part.

The Bank of Portugal also states that, during the moratorium period, guarantees granted by the bank customer or by third parties, namely insurance, sureties, and guarantees, remain valid. These are automatically extended for an equal period.

CT/ADB // ADB.

Lusa