A ban on real estate transactions for citizens of Russia and Belarus has come into force in Finland.
This was reported by Yle.
According to a decree by the Finnish government, as of today, July 15, 2025, a ban on real estate transactions for citizens of Russia and Belarus has entered into force. From now on, permits for the purchase of real estate will not be issued to persons whose country violates the territorial integrity of another state and poses a threat to Finland's national security.
The country’s Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen, wrote on the social network X that this law is aimed at strengthening Finland’s security and preparing for any attempts at influence.
“In my opinion, the need for this reform existed long before Russia’s attack on Ukraine. I am very pleased that this law has finally been adopted and enters into force today,” the defence minister wrote.
For many years, there have been numerous reports in Finland about suspicious real estate properties—some of which included fortifications with helicopter pads—such as loss-making hotels that stay afloat thanks to owners linked to Russia, as well as purchases in areas located near critical infrastructure.
Because of this, in January last year, Antti Häkkänen stated that he wanted to achieve a full ban on real estate transactions for Russian citizens.
