The Saeima of Latvia has passed a law that completely prohibits citizens of Russia and Belarus, as well as companies associated with them, from acquiring real estate in the country by any means. These restrictions are aimed at protecting Latvia’s national security from hybrid threats and indirect influence from aggressor states.
This is reported by Finway
Key Provisions of the New Law
The document titled “On Restrictions on Transactions Threatening National Security” received support from 69 Saeima deputies, with 8 votes against. From now on, citizens of Russia and Belarus, as well as companies owned at least 25% by them or having beneficiaries from these countries, will not have the right to:
- purchase real estate in Latvia;
- receive it as a gift or inheritance;
- exchange property or acquire ownership rights by any other legal means.
The law also applies to companies registered in Russia or Belarus, even if they operate in Latvia or through intermediaries in third countries. The ban covers all types of transactions that may lead to the acquisition of real estate, including:
- buying and selling;
- gifting;
- leasing with an option to purchase;
- inheritance;
- exchange;
- court decisions on the transfer of ownership rights.
Exceptions and Specifics of the Restrictions
During the discussion of the bill, certain exceptions were identified. For example, the restrictions do not apply in cases where real estate is inherited by relatives, or when a person owns a single residence and has a permanent residence permit in Latvia obtained before the law came into effect. The ban also does not extend to those who are already or will become permanent residents of the EU.
“Another important aspect, during the second reading, the list of prohibited individuals also included those citizens of the Russian Federation who have a Latvian residence permit, passed a language exam, and underwent a loyalty check after the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, in the final version of the law, a concession was made for this category.”
The initiators of the law were deputies from the “New Unity” party in February 2025 in response to the increasing risks from indirect influence by Russia through the acquisition of real estate. Against the backdrop of the ongoing war against Ukraine and rising tensions in the Baltic region, Latvia is demonstrating a proactive stance to prevent potential threats to its sovereignty.
After being signed by the President of Latvia, this law will come into effect, and all new agreements made by citizens of Russia and Belarus regarding real estate will automatically be deemed invalid.