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
Finland welcomes foreign buyers, but the rules differ depending on whether you are from the EU or outside it, and whether you want an apartment or a house with land.
This guide explains in plain language what you can legally buy, the taxes and fees you should expect, and how the buying process works step by step in Finland in 2026.
We constantly update this blog post so you always have the freshest information on housing prices and ownership rules in Finland.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Finland.
Insights
- Non-EU buyers can purchase Finnish apartments freely, but buying a detached house or cottage with land typically requires a Ministry of Defence permit in Finland as of January 2026.
- Buying property in Finland does not give you any path to residency or citizenship, so there is no "golden visa" option through real estate here.
- Most Finnish apartments are actually housing company shares, meaning you own shares in a company rather than the physical walls or land underneath.
- Transfer tax in Finland runs around 1.5% to 2% for apartment shares and 3% to 4% for houses with land, making it one of the biggest closing costs.
- The Åland Islands have unique autonomy rules, and owning property there requires a special "right of domicile" or a permit, even for EU citizens.
- Foreigners can get mortgages in Finland, but non-residents often face higher down payment requirements and interest rates roughly 0.5% to 1% above what locals pay.
- Annual property tax in Finland for a typical detached house ranges from about 600 to 1,800 euros, depending heavily on the municipality.
- Rental income from Finnish property is taxed as capital income at 30% up to 30,000 euros and 34% above that threshold.
What can I legally buy and truly own as a foreigner in Finland?
What property types can foreigners legally buy in Finland right now?
Foreigners in Finland can generally buy apartments, rowhouses, detached houses, and holiday cottages, though the exact rules depend on your nationality and the type of property you choose.
The most important legal condition is that non-EU and non-EEA citizens typically need a permit from the Finnish Ministry of Defence when buying real estate that includes land, such as detached houses or cottages.
This permit requirement exists because buying a Finnish apartment usually means purchasing shares in a housing company rather than actual land, so apartment purchases by non-EU buyers generally do not trigger the permit process.
EU and EEA citizens face no such restrictions and can buy any residential property type in Finland without needing special government approval.
Finally, please note that our pack about the property market in Finland is specifically tailored to foreigners.
Can I own land in my own name in Finland right now?
Yes, foreigners can own land directly in their own name in Finland, but non-EU and non-EEA buyers must first obtain a permit from the Ministry of Defence before the purchase can be registered.
This means EU and EEA citizens can buy land freely, while others face an extra approval step that can add weeks or months to the buying timeline.
If you are buying a detached house or holiday cottage in Finland, you are almost always buying land along with the building, so the permit question will apply to most house purchases by non-EU buyers.
By the way, we cover everything there is to know about the land buying process in Finland here.
As of 2026, what other key foreign-ownership rules or limits should I know in Finland?
As of January 2026, the Åland Islands have completely separate ownership rules, and buying property there requires either "right of domicile" (which takes five years of residence) or a special exemption permit.
Finland does not have a foreign ownership quota for apartments or condos like some countries do, so there is no limit on how many units in a building can be owned by foreigners.
Foreign buyers do not face any special registration or approval requirements beyond the Ministry of Defence permit for land purchases, and the standard registration process at the National Land Survey applies equally to everyone.
There have been no major regulatory changes affecting foreign ownership announced for 2026, though the Ministry of Defence permit system introduced in 2020 remains in full effect for non-EU buyers of real estate.
If you're interested, we go much more into details about the foreign ownership rights in Finland here.
What's the biggest ownership mistake foreigners make in Finland right now?
The single biggest mistake foreigners make in Finland is not understanding that buying an apartment means buying shares in a housing company rather than actual real estate, or conversely, not realizing that a house purchase includes land and may require a Ministry of Defence permit.
If a non-EU buyer signs a binding agreement for a detached house without arranging the permit first, they could face delays, additional costs, or even a failed transaction if the permit is denied or takes longer than expected.
Another classic pitfall is underestimating housing company finances, because large upcoming renovations like plumbing line replacements can mean surprise charges of tens of thousands of euros that are tied to your specific unit.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Finland. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which visa or residency status changes what I can do in Finland?
Do I need a specific visa to buy property in Finland right now?
No, Finland does not require a special visa to buy property, and you can legally sign a purchase agreement while visiting on a tourist or Schengen visa.
The most common practical barrier for buyers without Finnish residency is getting strong electronic identification, because Finnish banks and digital services often rely on credentials that non-residents may not have.
You do not legally need a Finnish tax ID just to buy property, but having a Finnish personal identity code makes banking, electronic signing, and tax filings much easier in practice.
Foreign buyers typically need to present a valid passport, proof of funds, and sometimes additional documentation for anti-money laundering checks when completing a property purchase in Finland.
Does buying property help me get residency and citizenship in Finland in 2026?
As of January 2026, buying property in Finland does not help you get a residence permit or citizenship, because Finland is not a "golden visa" country and property ownership has no legal connection to immigration status.
Instead, the main pathways to Finnish residency include employment, family ties, studies, or entrepreneurship, each with their own eligibility requirements handled by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
Can I legally rent out property on my visa in Finland right now?
Your visa status generally does not restrict your ability to rent out property you own in Finland, so even non-residents can be landlords and collect rental income.
You do not need to live in Finland to rent out your property, and many foreign owners manage their rentals remotely with the help of local property managers or rental agents.
The key requirement is that you must report your rental income to Finnish tax authorities and pay capital income tax on your net profit, regardless of where you live.
We cover everything there is to know about buying and renting out in Finland here.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Finland
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How does the buying process actually work step-by-step in Finland?
What are the exact steps to buy property in Finland right now?
The standard sequence in Finland is: find a property, review documents (title certificates or housing company papers), make an offer, sign the purchase agreement, pay transfer tax, and register your ownership with the National Land Survey.
You do not have to be physically present for most steps if you use the National Land Survey's electronic Property Transaction Service, though in-person transactions require everyone to appear before a public purchase witness.
The deal typically becomes legally binding when both parties sign the deed of sale (for real estate) or the share transfer documents (for apartments), after which backing out usually means financial penalties.
From accepted offer to final registration, the typical timeline in Finland ranges from about four to eight weeks for straightforward cases, though non-EU buyers needing Ministry of Defence permits should allow extra time.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the whole buying process our pack about properties in Finland.
Is it mandatory to get a lawyer or a notary to buy a property in Finland right now?
A lawyer is not legally required to buy property in Finland, but hiring one is often wise for foreigners unfamiliar with Finnish housing company structures or land registration procedures.
The key difference is that a public purchase witness (similar to a notary) is mandatory for paper-based real estate transfers, while the electronic Property Transaction Service can replace this requirement, and neither role involves the legal advisory work a lawyer provides.
If you do hire a lawyer, make sure their scope explicitly includes reviewing housing company finances, checking for upcoming renovation charges, and verifying that any Ministry of Defence permit requirements are handled.
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.
What checks should I run so I don't buy a problem property in Finland?
How do I verify title and ownership history in Finland right now?
The official authority for verifying title and ownership in Finland is the National Land Survey (Maanmittauslaitos), which maintains all real estate records and can issue official certificates.
The key document you should request is the Certificate of Title, which shows the registered owner, the property's identification details, and confirms that the seller actually has the right to sell.
Most buyers and their lawyers in Finland check ownership history going back at least 10 to 20 years to ensure there are no unresolved inheritance disputes or irregular transfers.
A clear red flag that should stop or pause your purchase is any recorded annotation about a pending dispute, an unresolved inheritance, or a notation that the property is subject to ongoing legal proceedings.
You will find here the list of classic mistakes people make when buying a property in Finland.
How do I confirm there are no liens in Finland right now?
The standard way to confirm there are no liens or encumbrances on a property in Finland is to request a Certificate of Mortgages and Encumbrances from the National Land Survey.
One common type of encumbrance to specifically ask about is mortgage registrations, which remain attached to the property even if the underlying loan has been paid off until they are formally released.
The Certificate of Mortgages and Encumbrances is the single best proof of lien status in Finland, as it shows all registered mortgages, easements, and special rights affecting the property.
How do I check zoning and permitted use in Finland right now?
The authority for zoning and permitted use in Finland is the local municipality's building control or planning office, not the National Land Survey, since municipalities handle all town planning decisions.
The key document to request is the detailed plan (asemakaava), which shows the official zoning classification and any building restrictions that apply to your property.
A common pitfall foreign buyers miss is assuming a holiday cottage can be used for year-round living, because many Finnish properties are zoned strictly for seasonal use and converting them requires permits that may be denied.
Buying real estate in Finland can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner in Finland, and on what terms?
Do banks lend to foreigners for homes in Finland in 2026?
As of January 2026, Finnish banks do lend to foreigners for home purchases, though approval is typically easier for residents with Finnish income than for non-residents paid abroad.
Foreign borrowers in Finland most commonly see loan-to-value ratios between 50% and 75%, meaning you should expect to put down at least 25% to 50% of the purchase price as a deposit.
The single most common eligibility factor is having verifiable income, and banks strongly prefer borrowers with Finnish employment or at least a clear, documented income stream they can assess.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Finland.
Which banks are most foreigner-friendly in Finland in 2026?
As of January 2026, the most foreigner-friendly banks for mortgages in Finland are Nordea, OP Financial Group, and Danske Bank Finland, as they are large retail lenders with established processes for international clients.
What makes these banks more foreigner-friendly is their English-language support, willingness to consider foreign income documentation, and clear guidance on anti-money laundering requirements for international buyers.
These banks will sometimes lend to non-residents, but you should expect stricter terms, higher down payment requirements, and more documentation compared to what Finnish residents receive.
We actually have a specific document about how to get a mortgage as a foreigner in our pack covering real estate in Finland.
What mortgage rates are foreigners offered in Finland in 2026?
As of January 2026, foreigners in Finland can expect mortgage interest rates roughly between 3.2% and 4.2%, which is about 0.5% to 1% higher than the rates offered to well-qualified Finnish residents.
Finnish mortgages are typically variable-rate loans tied to Euribor plus a bank margin, so true fixed-rate products are less common, and when available, fixed rates tend to be slightly higher than the initial variable rate.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Finland compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What will taxes, fees, and ongoing costs look like in Finland?
What are the total closing costs as a percent in Finland in 2026?
The typical total closing costs for buyers in Finland in 2026 range from about 2% to 3% for apartments and 3.5% to 5% for detached houses or cottages with land.
This range covers most standard transactions, with apartment purchases at the lower end because transfer tax on housing company shares is lower than on real estate.
The main fee categories making up closing costs in Finland are transfer tax, registration fees at the National Land Survey, and potentially lawyer or bank administration fees.
Transfer tax is usually the biggest single contributor to closing costs in Finland, running about 1.5% to 2% for apartment shares and 3% to 4% for real estate with land.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Finland.
What annual property tax should I budget in Finland in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical owner-occupied detached house in Finland carries annual property tax of roughly 600 to 1,800 euros (about 630 to 1,900 USD or 580 to 1,700 EUR), depending heavily on which municipality you are in.
Finnish property tax is assessed by municipalities based on the property's taxable value and use category, with different rates for permanent homes, holiday cottages, and land, so there is no single national rate.
How is rental income taxed for foreigners in Finland in 2026?
As of January 2026, rental income in Finland is taxed as capital income at 30% on net profit up to 30,000 euros and 34% on amounts above that threshold, regardless of whether you are a resident or non-resident.
Foreign owners must file an annual Finnish tax return reporting their gross rental income and deductible expenses, and there is no automatic withholding system, so you are responsible for calculating and paying what you owe.
What insurance is common and how much in Finland in 2026?
As of January 2026, annual home insurance premiums in Finland typically range from about 120 to 250 euros (125 to 265 USD) for apartment contents coverage and 350 to 800 euros (370 to 845 USD) for detached house building and contents policies.
The most common type of coverage Finnish homeowners carry is comprehensive home insurance that includes fire, water damage, theft, and liability, with apartment owners usually just insuring contents since the housing company covers the building.
The biggest factor affecting premium prices in Finland is the property type and location, since detached houses and remote holiday cottages cost more to insure than urban apartments due to higher replacement costs and response times.
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Finland
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Finland, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Finlex (Ministry of Justice) | Finland's official public database for statutes and legal translations. | We used it to determine who needs a Ministry of Defence permit for real estate purchases. We also relied on it to define the legal scope of foreign ownership restrictions. |
| Finnish Government / Ministry of Defence | Official government release about the permit process for non-EU buyers. | We used it to confirm the permit system is operational and handled online. We described how non-EU buyers practically apply based on this guidance. |
| Finnish Tax Administration (Vero) | Finland's official tax authority and definitive source on all taxes. | We used it to confirm transfer tax rates for apartments versus houses. We also built our closing-cost estimates from their published guidance. |
| Vero - Rental Income | Primary source for how Finland taxes rental income from property. | We used it to confirm capital income tax rates and thresholds. We explained what foreign landlords must report based on this page. |
| Vero - Real Estate Tax | Official guidance on annual property tax and municipal rate structures. | We used it to explain how property tax is assessed by municipalities. We built our annual tax budget ranges from their rate explanations. |
| Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) | Finland's official immigration authority for permits and citizenship. | We used it to confirm property ownership does not grant residency. We answered golden visa questions based on their explicit FAQ. |
| National Land Survey (NLS) | Maintains Finland's official title and mortgage registers for real property. | We used it to define which documents prove ownership and show encumbrances. We built our title verification checklist from their certificate descriptions. |
| NLS - Property Transaction Service | Official platform for electronic real estate transactions in Finland. | We used it to explain the digital signing option for property purchases. We described when buyers can avoid in-person witness requirements. |
| NLS - Price List | Official fee schedule for registrations and property extracts. | We used it to quantify government registration fees accurately. We kept our closing-cost estimates grounded in published fee amounts. |
| Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) | Authority maintaining Finland's population information system. | We used it to explain what a Finnish personal identity code is. We clarified whether buyers must have one before purchasing property. |
| Bank of Finland - Housing Loan Rates | Finland's central bank publishing official interest rate statistics. | We used it to anchor mortgage rate expectations to real market data. We estimated what foreigners likely pay based on the published average. |
| Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA) | National regulator for financial markets and consumer borrowing. | We used it to explain how margins, reference rates, and rate resets work. We kept the mortgage section consumer-friendly and regulator-aligned. |
| Ministry for Foreign Affairs - Åland | Official explanation of Åland's special legal and autonomy regime. | We used it to flag Åland as a unique exception area for property ownership. We explained the right of domicile concept based on this source. |
| FINE - Insurance Advice | Finnish insurance dispute and advice body explaining coverage norms. | We used it to clarify who insures what in apartments versus houses. We built realistic insurance budget ranges from their guidance. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Finland. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.