The Finnish authorities have begun denying Russian citizens the right to purchase real estate in the country. The ban is based on a law that came into force in July, requiring foreigners from non-EU and non-EEA countries to obtain a special permit before buying property in Finland, the Ministry of Defence reported.
According to the ministry, last Friday Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen rejected 11 such applications from citizens of Russia, Israel, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, who sought to purchase property in ten Finnish regions. Applicants had various intended uses for the properties, including commercial, forestry, residential, and recreational purposes.
The ministry explained that real estate can serve as “a channel of hybrid influence,” and rejecting certain transactions helps strengthen national security and reduce risks to the country’s supply infrastructure. “We can act effectively thanks to our permit system for property transactions and the complete ban on such deals for Russians and Belarusians,” Häkkänen stated.
In April 2025, the Finnish Parliament approved a government bill prohibiting citizens of countries “engaged in aggressive war and posing a threat to Finland’s security,” including Russia, from purchasing real estate in Finland.
The restrictions do not apply to individuals holding permanent residence in Finland or a long-term EU residence permit issued by Finland. Earlier, the Finnish Defence Ministry noted that Russia represents a long-term threat to European security, and property purchases can serve as one form of hostile influence.
