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
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Finland, but non-EU/EEA buyers face a permit requirement that trips up many first-time buyers.
Finland draws a sharp line between apartment shares and actual land ownership, and understanding this distinction will save you weeks of confusion.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest rules and market changes 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/EEA buyers in Finland must obtain a Ministry of Defence permit for land purchases, but this permit is not required when buying apartment shares through a housing company.
- Finland's transfer tax dropped to 3% for real estate and 1.5% for housing company shares as of January 2026, making apartment purchases noticeably cheaper in transaction costs.
- The Åland Islands operate under completely different rules where even EU citizens need a special permit unless they hold Åland right of domicile after five years of residence.
- Title registration in Finland costs a fixed 172 euros, making it one of the most predictable closing costs in the entire Nordic region for foreign property buyers.
- Finnish residential plot leases commonly run 30 to 100 years, and when structured correctly, they can be registered, transferred, and even used as collateral for financing.
- Finland tightened its foreign real estate acquisition rules in mid-2025, meaning certain nationalities now face longer processing times and higher scrutiny from the Ministry of Defence.
- There is no minimum investment threshold for foreigners buying residential property in Finland, unlike many other European countries that require minimum purchase amounts.
- Foreign buyers who skip the official NLS Property Transaction Service or public purchase witness requirement risk having their entire conveyance declared invalid for title registration.
- Annual real estate tax in Finland is calculated on the taxable value set by the municipality, and second homes often carry a higher tax rate that surprises foreign owners.
- Grey-area ownership structures like nominee arrangements or undisclosed company control are exactly what Finnish authorities are designed to catch, and they create serious legal risk.
Can a foreigner legally own land in Finland right now?
Can foreigners own land in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own land in mainland Finland, but non-EU and non-EEA buyers must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Defence before acquiring real estate that includes land.
Finland does not have a blanket ban on foreign land ownership; instead, the system operates on a permission-plus-review basis where acquisitions can be refused on national security grounds, particularly for properties near sensitive infrastructure, borders, or defence sites.
When direct ownership becomes complicated, the most common alternative for foreigners in Finland is to own the building while leasing the land long-term, with the lease registered at the National Land Survey if it meets certain requirements.
The permit rules are framed around EU/EEA versus non-EU/EEA status rather than specific nationalities, but Finland tightened parts of the regime in mid-2025, so buyers from certain countries should expect additional scrutiny and longer processing times.
Can I own a house but not the land in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, Finland has a well-established legal framework where foreigners commonly own residential property without owning land, either by purchasing apartment shares in a housing company or by buying a detached house that sits on leased municipal land.
When you buy apartment shares in Finland, you receive a share certificate that gives you the exclusive right to occupy a specific unit, and this is not considered a land acquisition, so the Ministry of Defence permit does not apply.
For detached houses on leased land, when the lease expires, the terms of your contract determine what happens next, and most municipal leases in cities like Helsinki have established renewal processes that allow you to extend the lease under updated terms.
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.
Do rules differ by region or city for land ownership in Finland right now?
The foreign land ownership rules in Finland are largely uniform across mainland Finland, but the Åland Islands operate under a completely separate legal regime that catches many foreign buyers off guard.
In Åland, owning real estate is tied to holding "Åland right of domicile," which typically requires five years of continuous residence in the islands, and outsiders without this status need a special permit from the Åland government instead of the Ministry of Defence.
This regional exception exists because Åland has constitutionally protected autonomy dating back to the 1920s, designed to preserve its Swedish-speaking character and limit outside influence on local land ownership.
We cover a lot of different regions and cities in our pack about the property market in Finland.
Can I buy land in Finland through marriage to a local in 2026?
As of early 2026, marrying a Finnish citizen does not automatically exempt a non-EU/EEA foreigner from the Ministry of Defence permit requirement when purchasing real estate in Finland.
If you and your Finnish spouse purchase property together, you should ensure both names appear correctly on the title and that any financing or ownership agreements are properly documented in the registry system, because Finland's property system is heavily registry-driven.
In the event of divorce, Finnish matrimonial law provides for equitable division of marital assets, but the foreign spouse's continued right to the property depends on the divorce settlement and, for non-EU/EEA individuals, potentially still requires navigating the permit regime if they end up as sole owner.
There is a lot of mistakes you can make, we cover 99% of them in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Finland.
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.
What eligibility and status do I need to buy land in Finland?
Do I need residency to buy land in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, Finland does not require foreigners to hold residency status in order to purchase property, though non-EU/EEA buyers still need to obtain the Ministry of Defence permit for real estate acquisitions.
No specific visa or permit is required just to complete a property transaction in Finland, but having a residence permit can make the practical steps like banking, identification, and signing documents significantly smoother.
It is legally possible for foreigners to buy property in Finland remotely without being physically present, but the transaction must either go through the official NLS Property Transaction Service online or be properly witnessed by a public purchase witness, because unwitnessed conveyances can be invalid.
Do I need a local tax number to buy lands in Finland?
Foreigners buying property in Finland need to register their identification details with the Finnish Tax Administration, which will issue an artificial personal identity code specifically for handling transfer tax filing and payment.
Obtaining this tax identifier typically happens during the purchase process itself and is handled through Vero's system for foreign buyers, so it does not require a separate lengthy application beforehand.
While not strictly required by law, opening a Finnish or EU bank account makes paying transfer tax and handling settlement much easier, and many foreign buyers find it worth the effort to avoid payment complications.
Is there a minimum investment to buy land in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Finland does not set any minimum purchase price or investment threshold for foreigners buying residential property, whether that is an apartment, house, or plot of land.
This lack of a minimum applies uniformly across Finland regardless of location or property type, which is notably different from some other European countries that require foreigners to invest above certain amounts.
Are there restricted zones foreigners can't buy in Finland?
Finland does not publish a public "red zone" map of restricted areas, but non-EU/EEA buyers should know that properties near sensitive infrastructure, borders, defence sites, and strategic logistics corridors face higher scrutiny and refusal risk during the permit process.
The types of zones that can trigger concerns include areas near military installations, border regions with Russia, critical ports, and locations deemed important for national security or supply chain protection.
To verify whether a specific plot might raise flags, the practical approach is to work with a Finnish lawyer who can assess the location against known risk factors and potentially make informal inquiries before you commit to a purchase.
Can foreigners buy agricultural, coastal or border land in Finland right now?
Foreigners can legally purchase agricultural, coastal, or border land in mainland Finland, as there is no blanket prohibition against these categories, though non-EU/EEA buyers still need the Ministry of Defence permit.
Agricultural land purchases by non-EU/EEA buyers may receive additional scrutiny because Finland considers food security and strategic land use as part of its national interest assessment.
Coastal land in Finland does not carry special restrictions beyond the standard permit regime, but properties along the Baltic coast or near key shipping routes can fall into the "strategic" category that receives closer examination.
Border land, particularly near Finland's eastern border with Russia, is where foreign buyers are most likely to face permit refusals or extended review periods, especially given the security environment in early 2026.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Finland
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What are the safest legal structures to control land in Finland?
Is a long-term lease equivalent to ownership in Finland right now?
A long-term land lease in Finland provides day-to-day control that feels similar to ownership, including the ability to build on and modify the property, but it is legally a lease right rather than freehold ownership and does not grant the same permanent title.
Finnish residential plot leases typically run between 30 and 100 years depending on the landlord (municipal or private), and lease rights can generally be renewed, though renewal is a negotiation rather than an automatic entitlement unless your contract specifies otherwise.
When structured correctly with provisions allowing transfer without landlord permission and a fixed term, a Finnish leasehold can be registered with the National Land Survey, sold to another buyer, bequeathed to heirs, and even used as collateral for financing.
Can I buy land in Finland via a local company?
Foreigners can purchase land in Finland through a Finnish-registered company, but this does not automatically bypass the Ministry of Defence permit requirement because the law examines where an entity is effectively controlled and who ultimately owns it.
The permit rules can apply based on whether non-EU/EEA parties control the company through ownership stakes or management, so setting up a Finnish shell company while maintaining foreign control is exactly the kind of arrangement the permit regime is designed to capture.
What "grey-area" ownership setups get foreigners in trouble in Finland?
Grey-area ownership arrangements are relatively uncommon among serious foreign buyers in Finland because the country's registry-driven system makes unofficial arrangements risky and difficult to sustain over time.
The most problematic setups include nominee or "straw owner" arrangements where a Finnish person holds title while the foreigner funds and controls the property through side agreements, undisclosed control of Finnish companies, and hidden repurchase options or unregistered liens.
If Finnish authorities discover that a foreigner has used an illegal or grey-area structure to circumvent permit requirements, consequences can include invalidation of the arrangement, forced sale of the property, and potential legal liability for the parties involved in the deception.
By the way, you can avoid most of these bad surprises if you go through our pack covering the property buying process in Finland.
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.
How does the land purchase process work in Finland, step-by-step?
What are the exact steps to buy land in Finland right now?
The typical process for a foreigner buying real estate in Finland involves identifying the property type (apartment shares versus land), applying for a Ministry of Defence permit if required, conducting due diligence through registry checks, signing through the NLS Property Transaction Service or with a public purchase witness, paying transfer tax, and applying for title registration.
A straightforward transaction where all parties are ready and no permit is needed can close in a few weeks, but non-EU/EEA buyers requiring Ministry of Defence approval should plan for several months to account for the permit review process.
Key documents include the deed or bill of sale signed in the proper form, transfer tax filing documentation submitted to Vero, and a title registration application submitted to the National Land Survey of Finland.
What scams are common when it comes to buying land in Finland right now?
What scams target foreign land buyers in Finland right now?
Finland has a relatively low prevalence of property scams compared to many countries because of its strong registry system, but foreign buyers still encounter fraud attempts, particularly from sellers operating outside normal channels.
The most common scams include fake sellers who claim authority to sell property they do not own, pressure to sign documents outside the proper NLS or public witness framework, failure to disclose registered encumbrances or mortgages, and boundary misrepresentations where the actual plot differs from what was shown.
Warning signs include pressure to skip official signing procedures, reluctance to provide registry documentation, unusually low prices that seem too good to be true, and sellers who cannot verify their identity through the official NLS system.
Foreigners who fall victim to scams in Finland can pursue legal action through Finnish courts, but prevention through proper due diligence and use of the official registry system is far more effective than trying to recover losses after the fact.
We cover all these things in length in our pack about the property market in Finland.
How do I verify the seller is legit in Finland right now?
The most reliable method to verify a seller's legitimacy in Finland is to use the NLS Property Transaction Service, which is designed to formalize and authenticate both parties' identities and signatures through Finland's strong national ID system.
To confirm the title is clean, you should obtain registry extracts from the National Land Survey and verify that the person claiming to sell actually appears as the registered owner with no pending disputes or restrictions.
Liens, mortgages, and other debts attached to the property in Finland are recorded in the title and mortgage register, which you can check through NLS information services and require to be discharged or addressed as a condition of closing.
While Finland does not use notaries in the same way as some European countries, a Finnish real estate lawyer is the most essential professional for foreign buyers to verify seller legitimacy, review contracts, and ensure the transaction follows proper procedures.
How do I confirm land boundaries in Finland right now?
The standard procedure for confirming land boundaries in Finland is to obtain the official cadastral information from the National Land Survey, which maintains the authoritative records of property boundaries throughout the country.
You should review the property's registered map data and boundary coordinates available through NLS services, and compare these against what you observe on the ground and what the seller represents.
Hiring a licensed surveyor is not always required for typical residential purchases in Finland, but it is strongly recommended whenever there is any ambiguity, the property has not been recently surveyed, or boundary markers appear disturbed or missing.
Common boundary problems foreign buyers encounter in Finland include discrepancies between old survey data and actual fences or features, unclear easements or rights of way crossing the property, and assumptions about lakeside or waterfront boundaries that do not match the registered parcel.
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.
What will it cost me, all-in, to buy and hold land in Finland?
What purchase taxes and fees apply in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the total purchase taxes and fees for buying real estate in Finland start at around 3% to 3.3% of the purchase price for a cash transaction, which includes the 3% transfer tax on real estate (or 1.5% for housing company shares) plus fixed registration fees.
Realistic closing costs for foreign buyers who hire professional help typically range from 4% to 6% of the purchase price when you factor in lawyer fees, translation services, technical inspections, and any bank charges if financing is involved.
The main individual costs include transfer tax (3% for real estate, 1.5% for shares), title registration (172 euros), and optional but recommended professional fees for legal review and due diligence that vary based on complexity.
These taxes and fees apply equally to foreign and Finnish buyers with no additional charges based on nationality, though non-EU/EEA buyers may face additional professional costs related to navigating the Ministry of Defence permit process.
What hidden fees surprise foreigners in Finland most often?
Hidden or unexpected fees for foreign buyers in Finland typically add between 500 and 3,000 euros (approximately 530 to 3,200 USD) beyond the basic transaction costs, depending on the complexity of the purchase and professional services required.
The fees that most commonly surprise foreigners include annual real estate tax that is higher for second homes, ongoing land lease payments if buying a house on municipal land, costs to set up tax identifiers and compliant payment methods, and translation or apostille fees for foreign documents.
These hidden costs typically emerge at different stages: tax identifier setup happens early in the process, real estate tax bills arrive annually after you become an owner, and lease payments begin immediately if the property sits on leased land.
The best protection against unexpected fees is to request a complete cost breakdown from a Finnish real estate lawyer before committing to purchase, including estimates for annual holding costs, not just one-time transaction fees.
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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Finnish Ministry of Defence | The permit authority that approves or blocks non-EU/EEA land purchases. | We used it to explain who needs a permit and how the process works. We also flagged recent rule tightening affecting certain nationalities. |
| Finlex (Act 470/2019) | Finland's official legal database with the governing statute in English. | We used it to anchor the hard rules about who is covered and what can be refused. We relied on it to separate law from market rumors. |
| National Land Survey of Finland (NLS) | The agency that runs Finland's title and mortgage register. | We used it for the step-by-step process of becoming the registered owner. We also used it to explain timelines and what title registration means. |
| Finnish Tax Administration (Vero) | The authority that collects transfer tax required for registration. | We used it to state current tax rates and filing requirements. We relied on it for the 2026 rule changes and foreign buyer procedures. |
| Finnish Government (Valtioneuvosto) | Official government channel summarizing enacted policy. | We used it to confirm the nationwide scope and Åland exception. We also used it to explain the policy purpose in plain language. |
| Info Norden (Åland) | Official Nordic cooperation portal explaining Åland's special regime. | We used it to explain the one big regional exception foreigners trip over. We used it to frame what permits exist without Åland domicile. |
| NLS Property Transaction Service | The official platform that can replace in-person witnessing. | We used it to show the simplest way to sign and register a deal. We explained why foreigners often prefer it for the audit trail. |
| NLS Price List | Official schedule of what registration actions cost. | We used it to give exact euro amounts for title registration. We built our closing cost estimates on these actual fees. |
| Vero Foreign Buyer Instructions | Official playbook for non-residents handling transfer tax. | We used it to answer whether you need a tax number concretely. We explained the realistic admin steps for foreigners. |
| Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) | The authority behind Finland's personal identity code system. | We used it to clarify what a Finnish personal identity code is. We separated what's nice to have from what's legally required. |
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Finland
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