Buying property in Finland as a foreigner
Who can buy
EU and EEA citizens and companies: no restrictions.
Buyers from outside the EU and EEA: a permit from the Finnish Ministry of Defence is needed to buy real property (kiinteistö). Check whether this also applies to housing-company shares for your case [VERIFY].
Some locations near borders or defence areas carry extra state rights [VERIFY for Levi and Kittilä — generally not affected].
Two ways to own: property or shares
Real property (kiinteistö)
Housing-company shares (asunto-osakeyhtiö)
What you own
The land (or a lease on it) and the building
Shares giving the right to use an apartment
Typical in Levi
Detached cabins and villas
Apartments and semi-detached units
Transfer tax
3%
1.5%
Maintenance
You arrange it
Partly handled by the housing company, for a monthly charge
Letting rules
Municipal rules
Municipal rules plus the housing company's articles
Buying personally or through a company
Many international buyers use a Finnish limited company (Oy), or an existing company at home, especially when they plan to let the property. Others buy personally. The choice affects income tax, VAT, financing and inheritance. Take advice from an accountant who knows both Finland and your home country before you make an offer.
The steps
01
Set your brief
Use, budget, area, and whether you'll let.
02
Line up your team
Lawyer, bank or financing, accountant, and an adviser if you want one.
03
Shortlist and check
Building rights, permits, condition and letting rules.
04
Make an offer
A written purchase offer, often with conditions such as financing or inspection.
05
Deed of sale
Signed before a public purchase witness (kaupanvahvistaja) for real property, or with a share transfer for housing companies [VERIFY].
06
After completion
Apply for title registration (lainhuuto) for real property, pay transfer tax, and set up utilities and insurance.
The costs
Cost
Typical amount
Transfer tax, real property
3% of the price
Transfer tax, housing-company shares
1.5% of the price
Title registration (lainhuuto)
[€ — VERIFY at maanmittauslaitos.fi]
Public purchase witness
[€ — VERIFY]
Lawyer and translation
Varies
Condition inspection
[€ RANGE — VERIFY]
Company set-up (if using an Oy)
[€ RANGE — VERIFY]
In most Finnish sales the seller pays the estate agent's fee.
Common mistakes by foreign buyers
Relying on the seller's rental figures
Not checking building rights before planning changes
Missing housing-company rules on short-term letting
Choosing an ownership structure after the offer, not before
Underestimating winter running costs
General information, not legal or tax advice. Last reviewed [MONTH YEAR].
Sources: Multilaw real estate guide: Finland · vero.fi (transfer tax) [VERIFY URL] · maanmittauslaitos.fi (title registration) [VERIFY URL] · defmin.fi (property acquisition permits) [VERIFY URL]
Buying in Levi from abroad? We'll check the property and line up your lawyer, bank and accountant.
See buyer servicesFrequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in Finland?
Yes. EU and EEA citizens and companies can buy property in Finland without restrictions. Buyers from outside the EU and EEA need a permit from the Ministry of Defence to buy real property. There's no residency requirement for buying a holiday home.
How much is transfer tax when buying property in Finland?
Finnish transfer tax is 3% of the price for real property and 1.5% for housing-company shares, such as apartments. The buyer normally pays it. For non-resident buyers, collection arrangements can differ, so confirm the process with your lawyer or the seller's agent.
Can I buy a Finnish property through a company?
Yes. Many international buyers use a Finnish limited company (Oy) or an existing foreign company, particularly for rental properties. Companies from outside the EU and EEA need the same Ministry of Defence permit as individuals. Take tax advice before choosing a structure.
Do I need to live in Finland to buy a holiday home there?
No. There's no residency requirement to buy a holiday home in Finland. You'll need a way to sign documents, often with a power of attorney, a Finnish bank account for running costs, and a local contact for the property.
How long does buying a property in Finland take?
Once an offer is accepted, completion usually takes a few weeks, depending on financing and any conditions [VERIFY]. Non-EU buyers should allow extra time for the Ministry of Defence permit, and company buyers for company registration.
Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Finland?
It isn't legally required, but international buyers are strongly advised to use one, especially for contracts in Finnish, company purchases or conditions. The public purchase witness confirms the signing, but doesn't advise either party.