Buying property in Finland as a foreigner: permits and rules
Finland is open to foreign buyers, but the rules depend on your passport and on what you are buying. EU and EEA citizens can purchase Finnish property with no restrictions. Buyers from outside the EU and EEA have needed a permit from the Ministry of Defence to buy real estate since the start of 2020, under the Act on Transfers of Real Estate Requiring Special Permission (470/2019).
Two things surprise most people. First, the permit only applies to real estate — flats sold as housing company shares are outside the system entirely, so a non-EU buyer can purchase a Helsinki apartment without any permit. Second, the rules were tightened in July 2025 so that purchases by Russian nationals can now be blocked outright.
Who needs the Ministry of Defence permit
The permit requirement covers buyers from outside the EU and EEA. According to the Ministry of Defence, it applies to private individuals who do not hold EU or EEA nationality, to companies domiciled outside the EU and EEA, and to EU or EEA companies in which non-EU/EEA parties hold at least 10 per cent of shares or equivalent influence.
If you hold dual nationality and one of your citizenships is from an EU or EEA country, you do not need a permit. There is also an exemption where the buyer's spouse or cohabiting partner is an EU or EEA citizen and the couple buys together, and where the seller is a close relative such as a parent, child or spouse.
- Non-EU/EEA private individuals: permit required for real estate
- Companies domiciled outside the EU/EEA: permit required
- EU/EEA companies with 10%+ non-EU/EEA ownership: permit required
- Dual nationals with an EU/EEA citizenship: no permit needed
What the permit does and does not cover
The permit applies to transfers of ownership of real estate — land, and houses or cottages sold together with their plot. It does not apply to housing company shares, which is how most Finnish flats and many terraced houses are sold, nor to rental agreements or buildings standing on leased plots.
In practice this means a non-EU buyer purchasing a city flat usually needs no permit at all, while the same buyer purchasing a detached house or a lakeside cottage on its own land does. Habio's Finland buyer guides explain which type of ownership a listing involves.
- Permit needed: land, detached houses and cottages sold with their plot
- No permit needed: housing company shares (most flats), leased-plot homes, rentals
How to apply, fees and deadlines
Applications go through the Ministry of Defence's Property surveillance e-service, by email or by post. The ministry advises applying as early as possible once the property is identified, and no later than two months after the transaction is signed. The fee is 210 euros when paid online in the e-service, or 280 euros by invoice, and it is charged even if the application is cancelled.
Permits are usually granted, but refusals happen: the ministry announced eleven negative decisions on real estate transactions in October 2025. If a purchase goes ahead despite a refusal, the buyer must sell or otherwise dispose of the property within six months, after which the authorities can force a sale.
- Fee: EUR 210 online, EUR 280 by invoice (payable even if cancelled)
- Deadline: apply no later than two months after the transaction
- If refused: dispose of the property within six months or face a forced sale
The 2025 tightening for Russian nationals
In spring 2025 the Finnish Parliament amended the Act, and the change entered into force on 15 July 2025. The Ministry of Defence can now prevent real estate acquisitions by nationals and entities of a state waging a war of aggression — in practice Russia, with the ministry also citing Belarusian nationals and entities.
This is a power to refuse rather than an automatic blanket ban in every case: the ministry states that permanent residence permits and other circumstances in which no permit is required under the Act are taken into account. Applications submitted before 15 July 2025 were handled under the earlier rules. If this affects you, check the current position directly with the Ministry of Defence, as practice may develop.
- Amendment in force since 15 July 2025
- Applies to nationals and entities of states waging a war of aggression
- Permanent residence and existing exemptions are taken into account
Taxes and costs once you buy
Transfer tax is the main purchase cost. According to the Finnish Tax Administration, the rate is 3 per cent of the price for real estate and 1.5 per cent for housing company shares. PwC's Finland tax summary confirms the same rates and notes there is no wealth tax in Finland.
Owners of real estate also pay an annual municipal real estate tax. PwC reports general rates between 0.41 and 2.00 per cent of taxable value, with higher rates for buildings and vacant plots, varying by municipality. Rates and rules can change, so check vero.fi before you commit.
- Transfer tax: 3% on real estate, 1.5% on housing company shares
- Annual real estate tax: roughly 0.41-2.00% of taxable value, set by each municipality
- No wealth tax in Finland
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in Finland?
Yes. EU and EEA citizens buy with no restrictions. Non-EU/EEA buyers can buy too, but need a Ministry of Defence permit for real estate (land, houses and cottages sold with their plot). Flats sold as housing company shares need no permit.
Do I need a permit to buy a flat in Helsinki as a non-EU citizen?
Usually not. Most Finnish flats are sold as shares in a housing company, and the Ministry of Defence permit requirement does not apply to housing company shares — only to real estate.
Can Russian citizens buy property in Finland in 2026?
Since 15 July 2025 the Ministry of Defence can refuse real estate purchases by nationals of a state waging a war of aggression, in practice Russia. Permanent residence permits and existing exemptions are taken into account, so decisions are case by case. Check with the ministry directly.
How much does the Finnish property permit cost?
EUR 210 if you pay online in the Ministry of Defence's Property surveillance e-service, or EUR 280 by invoice. The application must be made no later than two months after the transaction.
What tax do I pay when buying a home in Finland?
Transfer tax of 3% on real estate or 1.5% on housing company shares, according to the Finnish Tax Administration. Real estate owners also pay an annual municipal real estate tax.
Sources
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Markets and rules change — verify the current position with official sources before acting. Published 2 August 2026.