The Finnish government is exploring the possibility of revising real estate agreements made by non-EU citizens, particularly Russians, over the past two decades. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen highlighted this initiative, stating that Finland has been overly lenient in its property control policies.
Various ministries are currently assessing the legal feasibility of retroactively intervening in property transactions conducted by citizens from outside the European Union and European Economic Area. If implemented, this intervention would apply to all types of real estate deals made in the last 20 years.
Häkkänen emphasized that the aim is to enhance national security, ensuring better oversight of property acquisitions, especially concerning business ownership.
As of July 15, 2025, Finland has enacted a ban on property transactions for citizens of Russia and Belarus, a measure aimed at bolstering national security. This ban does not apply to individuals with dual citizenship involving an EU or EEA country, nor to those holding permanent residency permits in the EU issued by Finland.
However, the Ministry of Defense retains the authority to grant permission for property acquisitions, with each request evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Statistics from the Finnish National Land Survey indicate that by the end of November 2025, Russians had purchased 55 properties in Finland, with 35 of those transactions occurring before the new legislation took effect.
The Finnish government is reviewing past real estate agreements involving non-EU citizens, particularly Russians, to enhance national security. A new ban on property transactions for Russian and Belarusian citizens is already in effect, with exceptions for certain individuals.
Source: Yle