Latvia bans real estate purchases by Russian and Belarusian citizens amid strained relations

On 20 June the Latvian Seimas passed a bill in its final third reading, prohibiting citizens of Russia and Belarus, as well as legal entities registered in these countries, from purchasing real estate in Latvia, according to European Pravda citing LSM. The measure, supported by 69 deputies, aims to counter Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics and will apply to agreements made after the law takes effect. The bill awaits the president’s signature to become law.

Exceptions include cases where property is inherited by relatives or recognized by a court verdict. The ban does not apply to individuals purchasing a single dwelling if they held a permanent residence permit in Latvia before the law’s enactment or have obtained permanent EU resident status in Latvia. A proposed amendment to exempt Belarusian citizens with refugee status in Latvia was rejected by a parliamentary commission.

This legislation reflects Latvia’s heightened security concerns amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and its hybrid warfare against democratic states supporting Kyiv, including Latvia. The law’s authors argue that Russia uses real estate acquisitions abroad as a tool of non-military influence, citing its history of justifying military actions by claiming to protect its citizens abroad.

Latvia, a Baltic nation of about 1.8 million, has a significant Russian-speaking minority, comprising roughly 25% of its population, or around 450,000 people, many of whom are ethnic Russians. This community, largely a legacy of Soviet-era migration, is concentrated in cities like Riga and Daugavpils. While some are Latvian citizens, others hold “non-citizen” status – a unique category granting residency but limited political rights – or Russian citizenship. This demographic dynamic has long shaped Latvia’s tense relationship with Russia.

Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Latvia has viewed Russia’s influence with increasing suspicion. The Russian-speaking population has been a focal point of concern, as Moscow has historically framed itself as a protector of Russian-speaking communities abroad, using this narrative to justify interventions, such as in Ukraine. Latvia, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, has faced Russian disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks, further straining bilateral ties.

Latvia’s government has implemented measures to curb Russian influence, including restrictions on Russian-language media and education reforms prioritizing Latvian. The real estate ban follows other recent laws, such as amendments prohibiting Russian and Belarusian citizens from working in critical infrastructure or certain government employees from traveling to Russia and Belarus. These steps reflect Latvia’s broader strategy to safeguard national security amid fears of Russia’s hybrid tactics, including leveraging its diaspora to destabilize neighboring states.

Caption: Women go down Troksnu street in Old Town of Riga, Latvia 09 November 2017. Troksnu iela (Noisy Street) is very narrow street in Old Town of Riga. This area was formed next to city wall in the 13Th century. It is Noisy because of a lot of trade shops were in the area. EPA/Valda Kalnina

Updated: June 20, 2025 - 15:59