Real estate is no longer available: Latvia imposes a ban on Russians and Belarusians
20 June 2025 05:13
The Latvian parliament has approved a bill in the third and final reading that would prevent citizens of the aggressor country Russia and its accomplice Belarus from buying real estate. This is reported by Delfi, "Komersant Ukrainian" informs
The Saeima of Latvia has adopted in the third reading the law “On Restrictions on Transactions Threatening National Security.” 69 deputies voted in favor of the decision, 8 voted against.
The bill was proposed back in February by a group of deputies from the New Unity party, and the initiative was accompanied by explanations about the growing hybrid threats from Russia and its allies. MP Agnieszka Krusta emphasized that the document is aimed at “limiting the influence of individuals and companies that are dangerous for the country.”
In the second reading, the provisions were even stricter: initially, the restrictions applied to former non-citizens of Latvia from Russia who had obtained residence permits during the war. However, by the third reading, some amendments were made that eased the legislation for these individuals.
What is prohibited
According to the new law, citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus, as well as companies in which these persons hold at least 25% of the shares or are beneficiaries, will not be able to buy, receive as a gift, inherit or exchange real estate in Latvia. The ban also applies to legal entities registered in Russia or Belarus.
The restriction applies to all types of transactions, including
- sale and purchase,
- lease with the right to purchase,
- exchange,
- donation, gift
- inheritance,
- participation in auctions.
Agreements concluded after the law comes into force will be considered invalid. The parties are obliged to check the status of the counterparty – ignorance of the law does not exempt from liability.
Exceptions for certain categories
Partial mitigations are provided for persons who have permanent residence in Latvia or EU countries issued before the law came into force. It is also allowed to inherit real estate from relatives or on the basis of a court decision.
In addition, the law allows for leniency for political refugees from Belarus and repatriates returning to their country of origin.
The law will come into force after the President’s approval.
