There were announced new rules starting in September. Two contribution alternatives have been introduced. Applicants can either contribute 600,000 euros to qualify for citizenship after three years of becoming residents, or contribute 750,000 euros and become eligible for citizenship after one year. The minimum investment amount for property investment will double from 350,000 euros to 700,000 euros. It remains unclear whether the new minimum will apply only to properties acquired on the island of Malta or also on its sister islands, Gozo and Comino. For those who opt to lease rather than buying a home, the minimum annual lease will rise from 16,000 euros to 18,000 euros. The program will also have a new requirement. Applicants will have to pick a registered charitable organization, to which they must donate 10,000 euros. The overall cap for this program is set at 1,500, with approvals no more than 400 each year. The current government body that is in charge of the program will be replaced by a new agency responsible for overseeing all paths to Maltese citizenship.
