Russian officials may face a ban on owning property in countries considered unfriendly. A draft law, including the proposed changes, has been registered and forwarded to the President of the State Duma for consideration.
The document’s explanatory note explains that the draft aims to bar certain categories of individuals from owning real estate within foreign states and territories, particularly those who pursue hostile actions against the Russian Federation and Russian legal entities.
On January 5, 2020, President Vladimir Putin suggested constitutional amendments to enact such a restriction. The idea was to strip those deemed essential to Russia’s security and sovereignty of foreign citizenship and to prohibit holding bank accounts in those states. Lawmakers note that the proposal was to be implemented through updates to existing regulatory laws, yet those individuals could still own real estate abroad under existing rules.
Today, proponents argue that this measure aligns with current conditions and the shifting geopolitical landscape. They contend that the aggression of Western powers and their allies against Russia has intensified, creating a need to reassess how loyalty and security are safeguarded in public service and governance.
The draft specifies that individuals occupying public roles in the Russian Federation and its constituent entities — including the presidency, the government leadership, federal ministers, judges, State Duma deputies, and senators — should be prohibited from acquiring property in unfriendly countries.
According to the proposal, officials who previously held such positions would be subject to the same restrictions. The opportunity to own real estate abroad would be curtailed for those who influence policy and decision-making at the highest levels of government, reinforcing a domestic focus on national security and sovereignty. This measure is presented as a means to ensure that key state actors do not have property interests that could compromise political alignment during critical times.
The explanatory notes emphasize that the policy is intended to prevent potential conflicts of interest and to strengthen the integrity of public service. Supporters argue that limiting foreign real estate ownership among top officials reduces exposure to external influence and contributes to a more predictable, loyally oriented governance framework. Critics, however, may raise concerns about civil liberties and the practical impact on officials who have legitimate financial ties abroad. The debate continues as legislators weigh national security imperatives against individual rights.
In practice, the bill would require ongoing monitoring and clear guidelines for enforcement. Officials would be expected to declare assets transparently and demonstrate that any foreign real estate holdings do not undermine Russia’s strategic interests or public duties. The rule would also necessitate rigorous enforcement mechanisms to prevent circumvention through family trusts or intermediary entities, ensuring that ownership follows the intended intent of safeguarding sovereignty.
Observers note that the balance between security considerations and personal rights remains a central topic in regulatory reform. The current draft signals a broader trend toward tightening controls on foreign assets for individuals in positions of power, especially where foreign affiliations might affect policy decisions or political loyalty. As the legislative process unfolds, the government and parliament may refine definitions of what constitutes an unfriendly jurisdiction and establish clear criteria for evaluating potential exceptions or transitional arrangements. (Citation: draft law explanatory notes and parliamentary discussions, 2020)