The government of Malta has signed a deal with OpenAI to bring the premium version of ChatGPT, ChatGPT Plus, to all Malta residents – completely free of charge.

The first phase of the programme will launch in May. Rather than letting residents use the tool blindly, Malta’s AI for All initiative will offer a free course to the country’s more than 550,000 residents to help them understand what AI is and how to use it. Upon completion, participants will receive free access to ChatGPT Plus for one year.

The programme will eventually scale and reach Maltese residents and citizens abroad, according to OpenAI.

“Through this AI for everyone course we are making sure that every citizen, regardless of their background, has the chance to build the confidence and skills needed to thrive in a digital world,” the Maltese Minister for Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri said.

“By pairing this education with free access to the most advanced digital tools available today, we are turning an unfamiliar concept into practical assistance for our families, students, and workers.”

Malta is the first country to make such an offering to its residents. The deal is intended to help citizens use AI “in ways that support learning, work, creativity, and public participation.”

The partnership comes under the OpenAI for Countries initiative. The company is also working with governments in countries like Estonia and Greece to support their education systems.

“Intelligence is becoming a national utility and all governments have an important role to play in making sure their populations have both the access and the skills to make the most of AI,” said former UK Chancellor George Osborne, who leads OpenAI for Countries.

The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Just earlier this week, OpenAI said it was granting access to its latest models, including GPT-5.5-Cyber, to dozens of European companies, such as Deutsche Telekom, Spain's Telefonica, and Britain's Sophos, to help bolster their resilience.

Osborne said in an explanatory letter to the Commission on Monday that democratizing access to defensive tools could strengthen shared security and support public safety.

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