Finland may review Russian agreements on the purchase of real estate in the country
15 February 06:12
The Finnish government is exploring the possibility of reviewing real estate deals made by Russians without EU passports over the past 20 years.
This was reported by Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen, as quoted by Yle, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
“Over the past 20 years, Finland has been too naive in its approach to real estate control,” the minister commented.
Various ministries are currently investigating whether it is legally possible to retroactively intervene in real estate transactions carried out in Finland by citizens of countries that are not members of the European Union and the European Economic Area. Retrospective intervention, if any, will apply to all types of real estate and transactions concluded over the past 20 years.
According to Hykkänen, the goal is to take national security into account more, so that, for example, real estate in the acquisition of enterprises can be controlled more effectively.
On July 15, 2025, a ban on real estate transactions for citizens of Russia and Belarus came into force in Finland. This government decision was aimed at strengthening national security. The amendment does not apply to persons with dual citizenship — Russia and another EU or EEA country — or to persons who have a permanent residence permit in the EU issued by Finland.
However, the Ministry of Defense may grant permission to purchase real estate: each request is considered individually.
According to statistics from the Finnish National Land Survey, reported by broadcaster Yle in early January, Russians had purchased 55 properties in Finland by the end of November 2025, 35 of which were purchased before the new legislation came into force.
