According to Russian law, foreigners are usually allowed to purchase or rent property in Russia, but certain exceptions apply. Also, in order to be allowed to buy a property, the foreign citizen must hold a valid Russian resident permit.

Yes, some Americans still own property in Russia in 2026, but the legal environment has become extremely hostile and restrictive. Following the geopolitical shifts of the early 2020s, Russia classified the U.S. as an "unfriendly country." Consequently, any American citizen wishing to buy or sell property in Russia must now obtain explicit permission from the Government Commission for Control over Foreign Investments. Furthermore, financial transactions for such properties must be processed through special "Type C" bank accounts, which are highly monitored and often restricted from transferring funds out of the country. While it is technically legal for an American to hold an apartment in Moscow, the risks of "frozen assets," the inability to repatriate rental income, and the complex notarization requirements (requiring Russian-translated documents) make it a highly precarious and uncommon investment for U.S. citizens today.