HELSINKI – Finland’s government is moving forward with plans to prohibit most Russian citizens from purchasing property within its borders, citing national security concerns, Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen announced on Monday.
The decision comes amid increasingly strained relations between Finland and Russia following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The invasion prompted Finland to abandon its long-standing policy of non-alignment and join the NATO military alliance.
The proposed legislation would restrict property purchases by Russian citizens, with exceptions for dual citizens and Russians who hold permanent residency in Finland or other European Union nations. The proposal is currently undergoing expert consultations and will later be subject to a parliamentary vote.
“The regulations are aimed at preventing possible hostile influences against Finland,” Hakkanen stated during a press conference.
Finland is already monitoring approximately 3,500 properties owned by Russian nationals across the country, although the government has not provided further details on these properties.
In recent years, Helsinki has taken steps to limit property acquisitions by Russian citizens near strategic locations. Last October, the Finnish government blocked three such purchases, followed by another three in January of this year.
Finland, which shares a 1,340 km (830 miles) border with Russia, has also closed all crossings between the two countries. The Finnish government has accused the Kremlin of using migration as a weapon by encouraging migrants from Asia and Africa to seek asylum in Finland.
The proposed property ban marks another step in Finland’s efforts to safeguard its national security in the face of growing tensions with its eastern neighbor.