Finland bans Russians and Belarusians from owning property: What changed on July 15

The new restrictions prohibit Russian and Belarusian nationals from purchasing or conducting other property-related transactions across Finland.

Häkkänen noted that upon taking office at the Ministry of Defense, he identified a serious threat posed by Russian and Belarusian activities and therefore initiated the preparation of the ban nearly two years ago.

The corresponding decree was adopted by the Finnish government, and officials emphasize that this reform marks an important step toward strengthening national security.

“I’m very pleased that this law has finally been passed and comes into force today. Its primary goal is to enhance Finland’s security and prepare the country for potential influence attempts by foreign states,” said Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the need for such a ban had existed well 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 steps were taken. The previous government concluded in 2023 that such a reform was supposedly unnecessary.

The ban covers all types of real estate transactions and is aimed at reducing risks associated with the potential use of properties for subversive activities or espionage.

With this move, Finland continues to systematically tighten its national security measures amid Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

Finland has officially informed the UN of its decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines. The move will take effect in January 2026.

The withdrawal has already been approved by several countries in the region — Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Poland — all citing growing military threats from Russia as the reason for their decision.

In mid-June, the Finnish Parliament voted in favor of exiting the convention.