Latvia blocks entry to Russians who own real estate near strategically important facilities
Latvia is banning entry to some Russian citizens who own real estate near strategically important facilities, Latvian news portal Jauns.lv reports.
It is noted that some Russian citizens who own real estate near strategically important facilities were denied entry to Latvia.
The country's State Security Service explained that they had conducted checks on these Russians and identified risks to Latvia's national security on their part.
These Russian citizens were included in the so-called "black list", or a list of foreigners who are prohibited from entering Latvia.
Earlier, the Finnish parliament passed a law prohibiting third-country nationals from purchasing real estate and land for the purpose of protecting the country's military and critical infrastructure.
The Latvian Parliament is still considering a similar law, but it could be passed in third reading before the spring session closes.
The draft law also prohibits citizens of Russia and Belarus or legal entities owned by them from purchasing real estate in Latvia.
The draft law aims to prevent actions that harm or are dangerous to the national interests of Latvia, as well as circumvention of international sanctions imposed at the international level.
It is planned that the restrictions will not apply to persons who have received the status of a permanent resident of the European Union or a permanent residence permit in Latvia in accordance with the requirements of the Immigration Law.
- In October 2023, it became known that the Finnish government wants to facilitate the confiscation of apartments owned by Russians. Much of the property is empty, and its owners cannot be contacted.
- In December 2024, the Finnish Ministry of Defense blocked the sale of six real estate properties in Parainen and Kokemäki to Russian citizens due to threats to national security.
- On April 11, 2025, Finland finally banned Russians from buying real estate.
