
The Saeima (parliament) of Latvia has adopted a law in the 3rd reading that prohibits citizens of Russia and Belarus from buying real estate in the country, writes Delfi.
Citizens of Russia and Belarus, as well as companies owned at least a quarter by them or whose beneficiaries are Russians and Belarusians, will no longer be able to purchase (receive as a gift or inheritance, exchange, etc.) real estate in Latvia.
MPs proposed the law to limit the impact of hybrid threats, including the indirect purchase of real estate.
The 2nd reading also banned Russian citizens and former Latvian (non) citizens who had received an automatic residence permit and, after the start of Russia`s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, passed a language proficiency test and loyalty test. However, there were some exemptions for this category by the third reading.
The prohibition on real estate purchases will apply to all transactions entered into by the above categories of Latvian residents after the law enters into force. The new law has some exceptions, such as if the property is inherited by relatives or is recognised as property by a court decision.