Finland restricts access of Russians, Belarusians to real estate market

A ban on real estate transactions for citizens of Russia and Belarus has come into force in Finland, the country’s Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen announced.

Häkkänen made the announcement on the social media platform X, Caliber.Az reports.

"This is an important reform that has been delayed for far too long," he wrote.

Venäjän ja Valko-Venäjän kansalaisten kiinteistökauppakielto tulee tänään 15.7. 2025 voimaan Valtioneuvoston asetuksella. Tämä on tärkeä uudistus, joka oli liian kauan jätetty tekemättä.

Mielestäni tarve uudistukselle on ollut jo pitkään, myös ennen Venäjän hyökkäystä…

— Antti Häkkänen (@anttihakkanen) July 15, 2025

"I am very pleased that this law has finally been adopted and entered into force. It is aimed at strengthening Finland’s security," the minister noted.

Earlier, the Finnish parliament approved a bill allowing the Defence Ministry to block property transactions involving citizens and entities from countries deemed to pose a threat to Finland’s national security.

By Khagan Isayev