How to buy land in Finland (guide)

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Finland Property Pack

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Finland Property Pack

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries (Germany, Finland, Estonia, Austria, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Finland. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At InvestRopa, we explore the Finnish real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What types of land can foreigners legally buy in Finland, and are there any restrictions depending on your nationality?

EU and EEA citizens can freely purchase all types of land in Finland without any special permits or restrictions.

This includes forest land, agricultural plots, waterfront properties, urban development sites, and rural cottages. The only exceptions apply to protected conservation areas and strategic defense zones near borders or military installations.

Non-EU and non-EEA citizens face different requirements but can still buy most land types after obtaining proper permits. You must apply for authorization from the Finnish Ministry of Defence for each individual property transaction, which costs €170 per application and typically takes up to three months to process.

The permit requirement covers all real estate purchases except apartment shares in housing companies, which are the most common form of apartment ownership in Finland. This means you can buy a typical Finnish apartment without any special permits, regardless of your nationality.

It's something we develop in our Finland property pack.

Can foreigners own forest, agricultural, or waterfront land, and are there protected areas where purchase is forbidden?

Foreigners can own forest, agricultural, and waterfront land in Finland, but specific restrictions apply to certain protected and strategic areas.

Forest land represents the most common type of rural property purchase, with prices averaging €6,000 per hectare for standard woodland and significantly higher for waterfront forest properties. Agricultural land is also available to foreign buyers, though some municipalities may require additional local permits or impose usage obligations.

Waterfront properties face enhanced scrutiny, especially within 500-1,000 meters of borders with Russia or near critical infrastructure. In these strategic zones, the Finnish state may exercise pre-emptive purchase rights, meaning they can buy the property instead of your intended purchase.

Protected areas where purchase is completely forbidden include national parks, nature reserves, and designated conservation zones. The Åland Islands operate under separate legislation that generally prohibits foreign ownership entirely. Military zones and areas around defense installations also restrict or prohibit civilian ownership.

As we reach mid-2025, border security concerns have increased scrutiny of foreign purchases near the Russian border, with processing times extending beyond the typical three-month period for permit approvals.

What are the exact steps to buy land in Finland as a foreigner, from search to signing?

The land purchase process in Finland follows a structured sequence that typically takes 2-6 months depending on your nationality and the property location.

Start by searching properties on Finnish real estate portals like Etuovi, Oikotie, or Tori, or engage a local real estate agent who understands foreign buyer requirements. Conduct thorough due diligence including property surveys, title verification, and checking for any restrictions or obligations.

Non-EU citizens must apply for the Ministry of Defence permit either before making an offer or within two months after signing the preliminary agreement. Submit your application through the Property Surveillance e-service, stating your intended use of the property and providing required documentation.

Once you find suitable land, make a written offer through your agent or directly to the seller. After acceptance, sign a preliminary purchase agreement that typically includes a deposit of 5-10% of the purchase price. This preliminary contract secures the property while you complete remaining requirements.

Sign the final deed of sale in the presence of a public purchase witness (kaupanvahvistaja), pay the 3% transfer tax, and register the property with the National Land Survey of Finland within six months. The registration process costs approximately €144 and officially transfers ownership to your name.

Do you need to be physically present in Finland to complete a land purchase, or can it be done remotely?

Physical presence in Finland is not required to complete a land purchase, making remote transactions entirely possible for foreign buyers.

You can authorize a local representative through a power of attorney to handle the signing process, document submission, and registration procedures on your behalf. This representative is typically a Finnish lawyer or real estate professional who understands the legal requirements and can ensure proper completion of all steps.

The power of attorney document must be properly notarized and may require apostille certification depending on your country of origin. All transaction documents must be in Finnish, Swedish, or English, requiring certified translations for documents in other languages.

Remote transactions do involve additional costs for legal representation, document certification, and international communication, typically adding €1,000-€2,500 to your total purchase expenses. However, this approach saves travel costs and time, especially for buyers located far from Finland.

Some simple transactions can be completed through the National Land Survey's online services, though foreign buyers typically need to use traditional written methods due to identification and authentication requirements specific to international purchases.

What documents are required to buy land in Finland, and do they need to be translated or legalized?

Document Type	Translation Required	Legalization Needed
Valid Passport/ID	Must be in Finnish/Swedish/English	Apostille for non-EU documents
Sale-Purchase Agreement	Finnish/Swedish required	No (prepared locally)
Power of Attorney	Certified translation required	Apostille required
Proof of Funds	English acceptable	Bank verification sufficient
Ministry Permit (Non-EU)	Issued in Finnish	No (government document)
Property Survey	Finnish/Swedish (provided locally)	No (official document)
Title Deed	Finnish/Swedish (official)	No (government registry)

All foreign documents must be either apostilled or consular legalized unless they originate from EU or Nordic countries, which have simplified recognition procedures.

The translation requirements are strict - certified translations must be completed by authorized translators recognized by Finnish courts. Budget €200-€500 for professional translation services depending on the number and complexity of your documents.

It's something we develop in our Finland property pack.

Are there any government approvals or permits that foreigners must obtain before or after buying land?

Non-EU and non-EEA citizens must obtain a permit from the Finnish Ministry of Defence for each real estate transaction, which represents the primary government approval requirement.

This permit application must be submitted through the Property Surveillance e-service and costs €170 per property. You must clearly state your intended use of the land, provide proof of funds, and demonstrate that the purchase serves legitimate purposes rather than strategic or security concerns.

The permit can be applied for either before making an offer or within two months after signing the preliminary purchase agreement. Processing typically takes up to three months, though applications for properties near borders or strategic areas may require additional review time.

Additional local permits may be required for agricultural land purchases in certain municipalities, particularly if you plan to engage in farming activities or claim agricultural subsidies. Forest land purchases may trigger obligations for sustainable forestry management under Finnish environmental regulations.

No permits are required after the purchase for standard land ownership, but any development, construction, or commercial use of the land will require separate building permits and environmental approvals through local municipalities.

What are the typical taxes, fees, and hidden costs involved in buying land in Finland?

Land purchases in Finland incur a 3% transfer tax on the total purchase price, representing the largest single cost beyond the property price itself.

Registration fees with the National Land Survey of Finland cost approximately €144, while notary fees typically range from 0.2% to 1% of the sale price depending on the transaction complexity. Real estate agent commissions of 2-5% are usually paid by the seller, though this cost is often reflected in the final sale price.

Legal fees for foreign buyers typically range from €500 to €2,000, depending on whether you need permit applications, document translations, and remote transaction services. Cadastral surveys required for land boundaries cost €1,320 for small parcels as of 2024.

Hidden costs include property appraisals (€300-€800), due diligence investigations (€500-€1,500), utility connections and transfers (€200-€1,000), and mandatory property insurance from the day of purchase. Bank transfer fees for international payments can add another €100-€500 depending on the amount and your banking arrangements.

Annual property taxes vary by municipality but typically range from 0.2% to 2% of the assessed property value, with rural and forest land generally taxed at lower rates than urban properties.

Can you buy land in Finland with cash as a foreigner, or do you need to go through Finnish banks?

Cash purchases are completely legal and widely accepted for land transactions in Finland, with no requirement to use Finnish banking services.

You must provide proper documentation showing the source of funds to comply with anti-money laundering regulations. This typically involves bank statements, income verification, or documentation of asset sales that generated the purchase funds.

International wire transfers represent the most common method for large cash purchases, with Finnish banks and legal representatives handling the receiving and verification process. Transfer fees typically range from €50 to €500 depending on the amount and your originating bank's international transfer policies.

Bank transfers offer better security and documentation compared to other payment methods, creating clear paper trails that satisfy both Finnish authorities and your home country's tax requirements. Most transactions above €50,000 are conducted through wire transfers rather than physical cash or checks.

Finnish banks may require additional verification for large international transfers, particularly from non-EU countries, which can add 1-2 weeks to the transaction timeline but provides additional security for both buyers and sellers.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Finland versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

Is it possible to get a mortgage in Finland as a foreigner to buy land, and under what conditions or interest rates?

Mortgages for foreigners to buy land in Finland are possible but significantly more challenging than cash purchases, especially for non-residents.

EU and EEA citizens with Finnish residence permits and local income have the best access to Finnish mortgages, with loan-to-value ratios typically ranging from 70% to 85% for land purchases. Non-EU citizens generally face stricter requirements including residence permits, Finnish bank accounts, and substantial collateral or down payments.

As of June 2025, average mortgage interest rates in Finland range from 4% to 4.2% for standard residential mortgages, with land-only purchases often receiving slightly higher rates due to increased risk for lenders. Loan terms typically span 20-25 years, though some banks offer up to 35-year terms for qualified borrowers.

Finnish banks generally require proof of stable Finnish income, local employment history, and a Finnish personal identity number (henkilötunnus) for mortgage approval. Non-resident applicants may need to provide additional collateral, larger down payments (typically 50% or more), and demonstrate strong financial stability in their home country.

Alternative financing options include obtaining mortgages from your home country banks using the Finnish land as collateral, or exploring international lending services that specialize in cross-border real estate financing, though these typically carry higher interest rates and fees.

Do foreigners use land in Finland mainly for building homes, investing, farming, or other purposes?

Foreigners purchase land in Finland primarily for vacation home construction and investment purposes, with lakeside and forest properties being the most popular choices.

1. **Vacation and recreational properties** - Building summer cottages (mökkis) near lakes, particularly in the Saimaa and Päijänne lake districts2. **Investment and forestry** - Purchasing forest land for timber investment and sustainable forestry operations3. **Residential development** - Building primary residences, especially among EU citizens relocating to Finland4. **Agricultural ventures** - Small-scale farming operations, particularly organic and specialty agriculture5. **Commercial development** - Rural tourism, camping, and recreational business development

The vacation property market dominates foreign land purchases, with buyers seeking authentic Finnish experiences through traditional cottage ownership. Forest land appeals to investors interested in long-term timber investment, as Finnish forests provide steady returns through sustainable harvesting cycles.

Residential construction on purchased land allows foreign buyers to design custom homes meeting their specific needs while often costing less than purchasing existing properties in desirable locations. Agricultural land purchases often combine lifestyle choices with small-scale farming operations, though commercial agriculture requires additional permits and expertise.

It's something we develop in our Finland property pack.

Where do foreigners tend to buy land in Finland the most, and what are the current average prices per square meter?

Southern Finland and the greater Helsinki region attract the majority of foreign land purchases, particularly from other EU countries and neighboring Scandinavian nations.

The most popular areas include the Helsinki metropolitan area where land prices average €150-€400 per square meter for residential plots, lake districts around Saimaa and Päijänne where waterfront land commands €50-€200 per square meter, and Lapland where vacation properties typically cost €5-€25 per square meter for remote locations.

Forest land prices vary significantly by location and quality, averaging €6,000 per hectare for standard woodland and €15,000-€50,000 per hectare for premium waterfront forest properties. Agricultural land typically costs €8,000-€15,000 per hectare depending on soil quality and accessibility.

Foreign buyers particularly favor areas within 2-3 hours drive from Helsinki, creating premium pricing corridors along major highways and near popular lake systems. Coastal areas along the Baltic Sea also attract significant foreign interest, though environmental restrictions may limit development options.

As of June 2025, rural farmhouses and cottages suitable for renovation range from €10,000 for basic structures requiring extensive work to €150,000 for move-in ready properties with modern amenities and waterfront access.

Does owning land in Finland help with obtaining residency or citizenship, and if so, how?

Owning land or property in Finland does not provide any direct pathway to residency or citizenship, as Finland does not operate investment-based residence programs.

Residency applications must be based on traditional grounds such as employment, family reunification, study, or other specific circumstances recognized under Finnish immigration law. Property ownership alone is insufficient to qualify for any type of residence permit.

However, owning property in Finland can provide supporting evidence for residency applications by demonstrating economic ties and long-term commitment to the country. This is particularly relevant for self-employment or business-based residence permits where property ownership shows financial stability and investment in the local economy.

Citizenship requirements include continuous legal residence in Finland for 4-6 years depending on your circumstances, demonstrating Finnish or Swedish language proficiency, and showing integration into Finnish society. Property ownership may contribute to demonstrating integration but cannot substitute for the mandatory residence period and other requirements.

For EU and EEA citizens, property ownership facilitates exercising existing rights to live and work in Finland without providing additional legal benefits beyond those already available through EU citizenship.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. InvestRopa - Finland Real Estate for Foreigners
2. Immigrant Invest - Finland Property Guide
3. Finnish Ministry of Defence - Real Estate Authorization
4. Global Property Guide - Finland Buying Guide
5. Finnish Tax Administration - Transfer Tax
6. National Land Survey of Finland - Property Acquisition
7. Legistum - Buying Property in Finland
8. Tranio - Finland Mortgage Guide