Six negative decisions on real estate transactions

On 27 March 2026, Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen denied six prospective buyers from outside the EU and EEA a permit to buy real estate in Finland.

The negative decisions concerned properties in Imatra, Savonlinna, Kittilä, Raseborg, Parikkala and Sysmä.

The applicants had different kinds of plans for the real estate, such as business, residential and recreational use. They are citizens or companies owned by citizens of Russia, Uzbekistan, China and Canada.

Because of the changes in the security environment, Finnish authorities must take sufficient measures to prevent different kinds of broad-spectrum threats. Buying real estate in Finland can be used to gain a foothold in the country or to undermine public authorities’ ability to act.

“That is why we will not allow real estate acquisitions when we cannot rule out a threat to national security, homeland defence, border security and security of supply,” said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The decisions to deny the applicants a permit were based on the Act on Permit Requirements for Certain Real Estate Acquisitions (470/2019).

The decisions are not yet final.

Any requests by media for access to documents should be sent via email to the Registry of the Ministry of Defence at kirjaamo.plm(at)gov.fi.

Further information can be inquired by email from the Media and Communications Unit of the Ministry of Defence at tiedotus.plm(at)gov.fi.