Finland's government is considering a ban on most Russian citizens purchasing property in the Nordic nation as a measure to safeguard national security, according to Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen on Monday.
The relationship between Finland and neighboring Russia has deteriorated since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, leading Helsinki to join the NATO military alliance after years of non-alignment. The proposed property purchase ban would not apply to dual citizens or Russians with permanent residency in Finland or other EU countries, and will undergo expert review before being put to a parliamentary vote.
"The regulations are designed to thwart potential hostile influences on Finland," Hakkanen stated at a press conference. The minister also revealed that Finland is currently monitoring around 3,500 properties associated with Russian owners, though he did not provide further details.
Helsinki has been attempting to restrict Russian citizens from acquiring property near strategic sites under current laws, blocking six such purchases in the second half of last year. Finland, which shares a 1,340km border with Russia, has closed all border crossings with the country and accused the Kremlin of using migration as a weapon by encouraging Asian and African migrants to apply for asylum there.
