The Finnish Foreign Ministry confirmed on 24 July that it will enforce the European Union’s 21st sanctions package against Russia in full as of today. The wide-ranging measures – adopted by EU foreign ministers late on 23 July – add nearly 300 individuals and entities to the bloc’s asset-freeze list and tighten restrictions on energy and shipping. One clause with direct mobility consequences bars Schengen states from issuing visas to anyone who is or has been in the Russian armed forces or affiliated militias since 24 February 2022. According to Finland’s Consular Services Department, the new rule is legally binding and takes effect immediately at all Finnish missions abroad and at external-border control points. Applicants must now declare past or present Russian military service; failure to do so is grounds for refusal and possible entry bans. The Interior Ministry told Global Mobility News that border-guard databases will be updated within 48 hours to reflect the new EU alert codes. In practice, the measure will sharply curtail travel flows over Finland’s land border with Russia once crossings eventually reopen. Before Helsinki shut the eastern frontier in December 2023, Finland issued about 40 000 short-stay visas to Russian citizens annually. Consulates now expect “a double-digit percentage” of future applicants to fall under the ban, notably men trying to exit Russia to avoid mobilisation. Multinational companies with employees who hold dual Finnish-Russian citizenship are advised to review assignment planning. While dual nationals travelling on a Finnish passport are exempt, any staff member using a Russian passport who has performed compulsory service could be denied a Schengen visa for business travel elsewhere in Europe. Employers should also check whether Russian subcontractors entering Finnish worksites meet the new criteria. The visa ban complements Finland’s own national security legislation, which from January 2026 requires six years’ residence and demonstrated Finnish or Swedish language skills for permanent residence. Together, the measures signal a more restrictive stance toward Russian mobility, and HR teams should anticipate longer lead times and higher compliance costs for cross-border projects involving Russian talent.
