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Finland Officially Bans Real Estate Transactions for Russian and Belarusian Nationals
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
As of July 15, Finland has officially implemented a ban on real estate transactions for citizens of Russia and Belarus. The government cites the need to strengthen national security as the reason behind this decision.
The announcement was made by Finnish Defense Minister Antti Edvard Häkkänen via X on July 15.
The ban prohibits Russian and Belarusian citizens from purchasing or conducting any real estate transactions in Finland.
Häkkänen noted that upon joining the Ministry of Defense, he identified a serious threat posed by Russians and Belarusians to Finland's security. About two years ago, he initiated preparations for this prohibition.
The Finnish Government approved the relevant resolution, and officials emphasize that this reform is a significant step towards strengthening national security.
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“I am extremely pleased that this law has finally been enacted and comes into effect today. It is about strengthening Finland’s security and preparing for all means of influence,” Häkkänen stated.
According to the Defense Minister, the need for such a ban existed long before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, for various reasons, the issue was not officially acknowledged at the time, and no legislative changes were pursued. In particular, the previous government in 2023 concluded that such a reform was allegedly unnecessary.
The ban covers all types of real estate transactions and aims to reduce the risks of properties being potentially used for subversive activities or espionage.
Earlier, Latvia’s Saeima approved the Law “On Restrictions of Transactions Threatening National Security” in its third reading. The legislation bans Russian and Belarusian citizens from purchasing real estate in Latvia. The measure passed with 69 votes in favor and eight against.
