Malta is becoming the first country in the world to offer free ChatGPT Plus access to its entire population through a nationwide partnership with OpenAI. The program will provide one year of free premium ChatGPT subscriptions to Maltese citizens and residents who complete a government-backed AI literacy course.
The initiative, called “AI for All,” was announced jointly by OpenAI and the Maltese government as part of a broader effort to increase public understanding and adoption of artificial intelligence technologies. The program will be managed by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority and is expected to begin rolling out later this month.
Under the plan, users must first complete a free online AI course developed by the University of Malta before receiving access to ChatGPT Plus. According to officials, the course is designed to teach residents what AI can and cannot do, how to use it responsibly, and how AI tools can be applied in workplaces, schools, and everyday life.
ChatGPT Plus normally costs around $20 per month and includes access to OpenAI’s more advanced AI models, higher usage limits, faster responses, image generation tools, and advanced reasoning capabilities.
OpenAI described the partnership as the first national-scale agreement of its kind. The company said the project aligns with its broader “OpenAI for Countries” initiative, which focuses on helping governments integrate AI technologies into education, public services, and workforce development.
“Malta is leading the way by showing how countries can empower their citizens to benefit from the transformative potential of AI,” said George Osborne, head of OpenAI for Countries.
Maltese Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said the government wants to prevent citizens from being left behind as AI adoption accelerates globally. He described the goal as turning AI from “an unfamiliar concept into practical assistance for families, students, and workers.”
The program will also reportedly include Maltese citizens living abroad, as long as they remain registered through the country’s digital identity system.
The financial details of the agreement between OpenAI and Malta were not disclosed.
The announcement reflects growing efforts by governments worldwide to improve AI literacy and encourage the adoption of generative AI technologies. Other countries, including Greece and Estonia, have previously partnered with OpenAI on smaller education-focused AI initiatives, though Malta’s deal is the first to provide free nationwide access to a premium AI subscription service.