How to buy property in Finland as foreigner?

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

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INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

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.

Can foreigners buy property in Finland at all?

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Finland, but the rules depend on your nationality and the specific type of property you want to purchase.

EU and EEA citizens enjoy full property rights in Finland and can buy apartments, houses, and land without any special permits or restrictions. This includes citizens from countries like Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, and all other EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

Non-EU/EEA citizens face more complex regulations but can still purchase Finnish real estate. The most straightforward option for non-EU buyers is purchasing apartment shares in housing companies, which requires no special permits and represents the most common form of urban property ownership in Finland. However, buying houses with land or standalone land plots requires approval from the Ministry of Defence.

As of September 2025, this system allows international investors from countries like the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and others to access the Finnish property market, though with additional bureaucratic steps for certain property types.

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

Do I need to get any special permits or approvals before buying?

The permit requirements depend entirely on your nationality and the specific type of property you plan to purchase.

EU/EEA citizens need no permits whatsoever and can proceed directly with any property purchase in Finland, including apartments, houses, and land.

Non-EU/EEA citizens must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Defence for most real estate transactions involving land ownership. This includes detached houses, townhouses, vacation homes, and raw land purchases. The permit application costs €170 per transaction and typically takes 1-3 months to process. Each property purchase requires a separate permit application.

However, non-EU/EEA buyers can purchase apartment shares in housing companies without any permits. This is significant because most urban apartments in cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku are owned through housing company shares rather than direct property ownership.

The permit process involves submitting documentation about your identity, financial capacity, and intended use of the property to the Ministry of Defence, which evaluates each application based on security and strategic considerations.

Are there any restrictions on the type of property a foreigner can purchase?

Finland applies different restrictions based on property type and location, with some areas completely off-limits to foreign buyers.

All foreigners, regardless of nationality, cannot purchase property in protected military zones, border security areas, or strategically sensitive locations designated by the Finnish government. The Åland Islands operate under separate legislation with additional restrictions for foreign buyers.

EU/EEA citizens can purchase all other property types including residential apartments, detached houses, vacation homes, commercial properties, and agricultural land throughout mainland Finland.

Non-EU/EEA citizens can freely purchase apartment shares in housing companies anywhere in Finland, which covers most urban residential properties. However, they need Ministry of Defence permits for houses with land, vacation cottages, raw land plots, and most commercial properties involving land ownership.

Conservation areas and properties with cultural heritage designations may have additional restrictions or approval requirements that apply to all buyers, both domestic and foreign.

What is the step-by-step process to buy a property in Finland?

1. **Property search and selection**: Use Finnish property portals like Oikotie.fi and Etuovi.com, or work with licensed real estate agents to identify suitable properties. 2. **Due diligence investigation**: Verify property details through the National Land Survey (Maanmittauslaitos) database, check for liens, encumbrances, and review housing company financial statements for apartment purchases. 3. **Offer submission and negotiation**: Submit a written offer through your real estate agent or directly to the seller, negotiate price and terms. 4. **Sales contract preparation**: Have a qualified real estate agent or lawyer draft the purchase agreement, ensuring all legal requirements are met. 5. **Permit application (if required)**: Non-EU/EEA buyers must apply for Ministry of Defence approval at this stage, submitting the €170 fee and required documentation. 6. **Financing arrangement**: Secure mortgage approval from Finnish banks or arrange alternative financing, though non-residents may need to provide larger deposits or pay cash. 7. **Contract signing and notarization**: Sign the final purchase agreement, with notary witnessing required for land-based property transactions. 8. **Payment and transfer**: Complete the financial transaction and receive property keys and ownership documents. 9. **Property registration**: Register ownership with the National Land Survey within six months of purchase to finalize legal ownership.

How do I find a reliable real estate agent or property listing in Finland?

Finding reliable property professionals in Finland involves using established platforms and verifying agent credentials through official channels.

Licensed real estate agents in Finland are regulated by the Central Association of Real Estate Agents (KVKL), and you should verify any agent's license status before working with them. Most reputable agents speak English, especially in major cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku.

The primary property listing websites are Oikotie.fi and Etuovi.com, which contain the majority of available properties in Finland. These platforms offer English language options and advanced search filters for foreign buyers. RealtorEurope also provides English-language listings specifically targeting international buyers.

For apartment purchases, contact housing companies directly, as they sometimes have units available that aren't publicly listed. Many Finnish real estate agencies also maintain their own websites with exclusive listings.

International real estate firms operating in Finland often specialize in working with foreign buyers and can provide comprehensive services including permit assistance, legal support, and financing guidance.

What legal documents are required to complete the purchase?

Finnish property purchases require specific documentation that varies depending on your nationality and property type.

All buyers need a valid passport or national ID, proof of financing or bank statements demonstrating purchase capacity, and the completed sales and purchase contract prepared by a qualified professional.

Non-EU/EEA buyers purchasing properties requiring permits must provide their approved Ministry of Defence authorization along with all application documentation.

Property-specific documents include the title deed, current land register extract from the National Land Survey, energy performance certificate, and recent property survey or inspection reports. For housing company shares, you'll need the housing company's financial statements, bylaws, and share certificate.

Additional documentation may include mortgage pre-approval letters, proof of property insurance, and translated documents if originals are in languages other than Finnish, Swedish, or English.

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

Do I need a Finnish bank account or financing from a local bank to buy property?

While a Finnish bank account isn't legally required, it significantly simplifies the purchase process and ongoing property ownership.

Finnish banks can provide mortgages to foreign buyers, but lending criteria are strict for non-residents. EU/EEA citizens with Finnish employment have the best access to financing, while non-EU/EEA buyers typically need larger down payments (often 50% or more) and may face higher interest rates.

Major Finnish banks like Nordea, OP Financial Group, and Danske Bank have international departments that work with foreign buyers. However, many foreign purchasers choose to pay cash to avoid complex financing requirements.

Opening a Finnish bank account facilitates property tax payments, utility transfers, maintenance fees for housing companies, and property-related transactions. Non-residents can open accounts with proper documentation, though some banks require in-person visits.

Alternative financing options include mortgages from your home country bank secured against the Finnish property, though this requires the lender's international capabilities and may involve currency exchange considerations.

What are the taxes and fees involved when purchasing as a foreigner?

Finnish property purchases involve several mandatory taxes and fees that apply equally to domestic and foreign buyers.

Fee Type	Amount	Who Pays
Transfer Tax (Real Estate)	3% of purchase price	Buyer
Transfer Tax (Housing Company Shares)	2% of purchase price	Buyer
Ministry of Defence Permit	€170 per application	Non-EU/EEA buyers only
Land Registry Registration	€60-€380 depending on value	Buyer
Real Estate Agent Commission	3-7% of purchase price	Usually seller, negotiable
Legal/Notary Services	€500-€2,000	Buyer
Property Survey/Inspection	€300-€800	Buyer

Transfer tax is the largest expense, calculated on the total purchase price and paid to the Finnish Tax Administration within two months of the transaction. Housing company shares have a lower transfer tax rate (2%) compared to direct real estate ownership (3%).

Foreign buyers should budget approximately 5-8% of the purchase price for all fees and taxes combined, not including potential mortgage costs or currency exchange fees.

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 property registration process work in Finland?

Property registration in Finland is handled by the National Land Survey (Maanmittauslaitos) and must be completed within six months of purchase to establish legal ownership.

The registration process begins immediately after signing the purchase contract and paying all required fees. Your real estate agent or lawyer typically handles the paperwork submission, though you can complete it yourself if you speak Finnish or Swedish.

For direct property ownership (houses and land), the Land Registry records the ownership transfer and issues a new title deed. For housing company shares, registration involves updating the housing company's shareholder records and issuing new share certificates.

Registration fees vary based on property value, ranging from €60 for low-value properties to €380 for high-value transactions. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks for standard transactions, though complex cases may take longer.

Successful registration provides legal proof of ownership, enables future property sales, and allows mortgage registration if financing was involved. Without proper registration, ownership rights remain incomplete and could create problems for resale or inheritance.

Can I rent out or use the property as an investment once I own it?

Foreign property owners in Finland have full rights to use their properties for personal residence, vacation use, or rental investment with minimal restrictions.

Rental properties must comply with Finnish landlord-tenant laws, including proper tenancy agreements, security deposit limits (maximum 3 months' rent), and tenant protection requirements. Rental income is subject to Finnish taxation, though tax treaties may prevent double taxation for foreign residents.

Short-term vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb are permitted in most areas, though some housing companies or municipalities may have specific restrictions. Helsinki has implemented registration requirements for short-term rentals in certain zones.

Commercial property use may require additional permits or zoning approvals, depending on the intended business activities. Agricultural land purchases may include restrictions on land use changes or cultivation requirements.

Foreign owners should register for Finnish tax purposes if earning rental income and may need to appoint a local tax representative for compliance purposes. Professional property management services are widely available for owners who live abroad.

What ongoing costs should I expect after buying the property?

Finnish property ownership involves several recurring costs that vary significantly based on property type and location.

Annual property tax ranges from 0.41% to 6% of the property's taxable value, depending on municipality and property category. Residential properties typically face rates of 0.41%-2%, while undeveloped land may be taxed at higher rates.

Housing company apartments incur monthly maintenance charges that cover building upkeep, heating, water, waste management, and common area maintenance. These fees typically range from €2-€8 per square meter monthly in major cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku.

Property insurance is essential and costs approximately €200-€800 annually for typical residential properties. Utility costs vary seasonally, with heating being the largest expense during Finland's cold winters.

Additional ongoing expenses include regular maintenance and repairs, which can be substantial for older properties, professional property management fees if you live abroad (typically 8-12% of rental income), and potential special assessments for major building renovations in housing companies.

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

Who can help me with translation, legal advice, and paperwork during the process?

Finland has a well-developed network of professionals who specialize in assisting foreign property buyers with language, legal, and administrative challenges.

Licensed real estate lawyers (kiinteistöjuristi) provide comprehensive legal services including contract review, permit applications, due diligence support, and closing assistance. Many law firms in Helsinki, Tampere, and other major cities have English-speaking attorneys with international real estate experience.

Certified translators can handle document translation for official purposes, though many Finnish institutions accept documents in English. The National Land Survey website offers some services in English, making basic property research accessible to foreign buyers.

International real estate agencies often provide full-service support including translation, legal referrals, financing assistance, and permit application support. Some specialize exclusively in working with foreign clients and offer packages that handle all aspects of the purchase process.

Professional relocation services can assist with broader aspects of moving to Finland, including bank account opening, tax registration, and ongoing property management services for investors who don't reside in Finland.

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. Multilaw Real Estate Guide Finland
2. Immigrant Invest Finland Real Estate Guide
3. InvestRopa Finland Real Estate for Foreigners
4. eSales International Finland Property Guide
5. ELRA Finland Foreign Buyer Limitations
6. Finnish Ministry of Defence Real Estate Authorization
7. Lawyers Finland Property Purchase Guide
8. Expat Finland Property Buying Guide