Finland bans Russians from purchasing real estate: Who will be next?

Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen stated that he is very pleased the parliament fully supported the proposal aimed at strengthening national security.

He emphasized that the decision sends a clear message that Finland will not allow any attempts to destabilize the country.

According to the report, the law now prohibits Russian citizens from purchasing real estate in Finland. Under the new regulation, permission to acquire property will not be granted to Russians, and in the future, to any individual whose country of citizenship is waging an aggressive war and may pose a threat to Finland’s national security.

The move comes amid heightened security concerns in the country. The Ministry of Defense had previously stated that Russia represents a long-term threat to security in Europe, and real estate is considered one of the forms of hostile influence.

“Minimizing security risks related to real estate will now continue in the next stages. We are preparing a government decree that will define the countries engaged in aggressive war and those that could threaten Finland’s national security. Legislation is also being prepared to strengthen the means of intervening in property that has already been acquired,” the minister explained.

Russia–Finland relations

Back in 2023, Finland faced a sharp increase in the number of migrants from Somalia and Iraq arriving at its border with Russia.

In response to official inquiries about the cause of this “influx” of migrants, the Kremlin either did not reply or denied any involvement. However, a later journalistic investigation revealed that Russian security agencies were behind the migrant surge.

The border between Finland and Russia was subsequently closed — a decision that remains in effect today.

Additionally, since then, Finland has decided to deport to Russia any migrants who manage to enter the country illegally.