On January 29, 2026, Estonia announced a new legal measure banning Russian and Belarusian citizens who do not have permanent residency status in the country from purchasing real estate. This includes companies acting on their behalf, aiming to mitigate security risks. The move is part of Estonia’s broader efforts to limit Russian and Belarusian economic influence amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The Ministry of Finance spokesman confirmed the legislation citing national security concerns. This ban intends to prevent exploitation of property ownership by foreign nationals considered potential threats and is part of multiple measures Estonia has taken targeting Russian-linked entities. The law is expected to enter into force promptly to address growing security threats connected to Russia’s aggression and influence activities.
Category: Political & Legal Subversion
Subcategory: Lawfare & Legal Pressure
Incident Type: Exploiting international law & treaties
Country: Estonia
Source report: news.err.ee/k/news
