In Polish: Rekomendacja S
This is the word you will see in bank documents.
Definition
Recommendation S (Rekomendacja S) is a set of rules issued by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) for banks on mortgage-secured loans: assessing creditworthiness, collateral value, informing customers and managing risk. The current version dates from 2013 and has been amended since. It is not a statute, but the KNF expects banks to apply it and checks this in its supervision.
What it means for you
Recommendation S sets the limits within which each bank designs its offer: how much it may lend relative to the property value, what share of income can go on instalments and for how long. For you this means a minimum 10–20% down payment, an instalment limit of 40% or 50% of net income and a term of at most 35 years. Within these limits banks may apply stricter rules.
Full entry in Polish, with a worked example and sources
Frequently asked questions
What is Recommendation S?
It is the KNF's rulebook for banks on mortgage-secured loans: creditworthiness assessment, LTV and DSTI limits, loan term and interest rate risk. It is not a statute, but the KNF expects it to be applied.
How long can a mortgage be under Recommendation S?
At most 35 years, with up to 25 years named as recommended. Banks shorten the term for older borrowers.
Is Recommendation S binding on the customer?
Not directly. The KNF addresses it to banks, but it determines how much and on what terms a bank can lend to you.
Related terms
Definitions are simplified and reflect Polish law and bank practice as of October 2026. Where every word matters, the Act and your loan agreement decide. Figures in examples are indicative and are not a bank offer. The Polish version of each entry has worked examples and sources.
Other terms in “Creditworthiness and down payment”