Latvia has officially passed a law prohibiting Russian and Belarusian citizens from purchasing real estate in the country, citing national security concerns amid rising regional tensions. The restriction also applies to companies that are at least 25% owned by Russian or Belarusian nationals.
Exceptions have been made for EU and Latvian permanent residence holders, Belarusian refugees, and repatriates. The law covers all forms of property acquisition—including gifts, inheritance, exchanges, and lease agreements with purchase rights. “This is a step to limit the influence and presence in Latvia of persons and companies that are adverse to the country,” said MP Agnese Krasta, one of the bill’s authors.
Latvia joins Finland and other Baltic nations in tightening restrictions on Russian nationals following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The country has also increased civil preparedness measures and defense spending, allocating over 3% of its GDP to defense in 2025.
