Would you give up driving for €25,000? Malta’s offer is not without conditions

Imagine getting paid to give up driving. That’s now a real option in Malta, where young drivers are being offered up to €25,000 if they give up their Driving licence Five years. The scheme is already open, runs until June 2026, and comes with one strict rule: you won’t be allowed to drive at all – not in Malta, not abroad – for the entire period.

This bold move to reduce traffic is already raising eyebrows in Europe. It sounds easy money to some. Some people feel that it’s a huge sacrifice.

Who can actually apply for the €25,000 offer

It’s not open to everyone. This scheme is clearly targeted at young drivers.

You need to meet the following requirements:

• Be under 30 when you apply
• Have lived in Malta for a minimum of seven years
• Hold a valid Category A licence for a minimum of one year

A few other conditions are important. Your licence must not have been suspended or revoked, and everything linked to it – including fees – must be up to date.

The scheme itself is backed by a €5 million budget and will run on a first come, first served basis, so places are limited.

How the €25,000 is paid – and why it’s spread out

If you’re approved, you won’t get your money at once.

Instead, it’s paid in five instalments of €5,000:

• When you return your license, the first payment will be made.
• The rest will be added once a year for the next four-years

This set-up is intentional. This setup is deliberate.

Many people don’t realize that you can’t even drive anywhere.

The condition that is most difficult to meet is also the easiest. You cannot drive at all for a period of five years.

It also includes: Included in this is:

• Car rental on vacation
• Driving in another country
• If you are driving a vehicle that requires a driver’s licence

In some cases, if you do not follow the rules you may lose your benefit. In some cases you may have to repay the money you received.

So while €25,000 sounds attractive, it comes with a very real commitment.

What happens after five years?

Once the five-year period ends, you can apply to get your licence back – but it’s not automatic.

After 15 hours, you will be allowed to drive on the road.

But there is a certain amount of flexibility.

You can ask for your license to be returned earlier in certain circumstances without any penalties. You can do this in the following situations:

• You or your close family members may be affected by health issues
• Needs related to work
• Or other situations that authorities find justified

Each case will need to be reviewed.

Who is excluded?

Some people are not eligible for the program, even though they meet age and residency requirements.

The following are excluded from the scheme:

• People whose jobs depend on them having a driver’s licence
• Diplomats, public officials and some other individuals
• Several political figures, as well as individuals who have access to chauffeur-driven cars

It is better to target those drivers who are able to realistically stop driving than to focus on those who depend on it to earn a living.

Malta will pay drivers to not drive

Malta has been struggling with traffic congestion and high car use for a long time.

The official figures indicate that over 100,000 people between the ages of 18 and 39 have a valid driving license. This gives a good idea as to how many applicants there could be.

By encouraging even some of these people to give up driving, the government hopes reduce traffic congestion and ease pressures on roads.

Transport Malta It has been made clear that the goal is to reduce the number of cars on the roads by fewer license holders.

Would you really do it?

This is a question that many people have.

For someone living in a city with good public transport, cycling options, or short distances, giving up driving might be manageable – especially with €25,000 spread over five years.

It could be too restricting for some people, particularly those who use a vehicle for their daily lives.

Five years is an extremely long time to give up driving. Holidays, emergencies, convenience – all of that changes.

Traffic management: a new approach

Most policies aimed at reducing traffic tend to focus on restrictions – low-emission zones, parking limits, or higher costs.

Malta took a different approach and instead offered an incentive. It will all depend on the number of people who are willing to accept this deal. There’s one thing for certain: this is a great conversation starter.

And if you’re under 30 and living in Malta, it’s now a choice – keep your licence, or hand it in and get paid for it.