Finland bans real estate sale to non-resident Russian citizens

The Parliament on Friday unanimously approved a government proposal seeking ban on selling real estate to Russian citizens in Finland, said the Ministry of Defence in a press release.

The law, however, will be not applicable for Russian citizens who are permanent residents of Finland, although they will need to seek permission in this regard.

The law imposed ban on transactions of real estate to people or companies considered to be carrying out wars or might pose a threat to national security of Finland.

Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said that the unanimous approval of the proposal showed a strong consensus about the issue.

"I consider it very important and was very happy that the Parliament so comprehensively supported the proposal, which aims to strengthen national security. This decision sends a clear message-we will not allow Finland to be undermined," said the minister in the press release.

He said the ministry is preparing a policy specifying which countries are waging wars and might pose a threat to Finland's national security.

Earlier, the government in October 2022, submitted a proposal to the parliament to bring necessary amendments to the law with the view to ensure that real estate acquisitions would not endanger national security.

In December, 2024 Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen made two negative permit decisions concerning real estate acquisitions by buyers from outside the EU and EEA.

Earlier in September 2024 Finland made six negative permit decisions concerning real estate acquisitions by Russian buyers.

In October 2023, the Ministry of Defence issued three negative permit decisions concerning real estate acquisitions by buyers from outside the EU and EEA.

In December 2022, the Ministry of Defence decided not to allow a group of Russian citizens to buy a former elderly care home at Lohikko, in Kankaanpää under South-West Finland region.