Minimum Age to Rent a Car in Europe: Country by Country
Minimum age requirements to rent a car in Europe by country: which countries require 18, 21 or 25, what the young driver surcharge costs, and which car categories are restricted under 21.
Minimum age rules for car rental in Europe vary by country, supplier and car category. The floor is almost always 18, but several markets and companies set 21 as the practical minimum for a standard booking. On top of that, anyone under 25 pays a daily surcharge that can add significantly to the total cost of a longer rental.
This is the country-by-country reference.
Minimum age by country
| Country | Min. age (major companies) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 18 | Under 21: small categories only at some suppliers |
| Portugal | 18 | Young driver surcharge applies under 25 |
| France | 18 | Some suppliers set 21 for standard categories |
| Italy | 18 | Under 21 surcharge often higher than elsewhere |
| Greece | 21 | Some companies allow 18 with surcharge |
| Croatia | 21 | Some allow 18; limited categories under 21 |
| Germany | 18 | Wide availability for 18+ at major companies |
| Austria | 19 | Some suppliers require 21 |
| Switzerland | 18 | Young driver surcharge applies under 25 |
| Netherlands | 18 | Some suppliers set 21 for automatics |
| Belgium | 18 | Standard rules apply |
| United Kingdom | 21 | Most suppliers 21+; some allow 18 with surcharge |
| Ireland | 23 | Higher than most of Europe |
| Malta | 21 | Left-hand traffic adds practical difficulty for new drivers |
| Cyprus | 21 | Same UK-style rules as Malta |
| Iceland | 20 | F-road vehicles require 23+ at most companies |
| Norway | 19 | Some suppliers require 21 |
| Turkey | 21 | Some companies require 23 |
| Morocco | 21 | IDP also required |
| Georgia | 18 | Local agencies often more flexible |
These are general guidelines for major international companies. Local and independent suppliers sometimes have lower minimums or different surcharge structures.
Young driver surcharge rates
The young driver surcharge is charged per day and applies to the full rental period, not just the days a young driver actually drives.
| Age band | Typical daily surcharge (Europe) |
|---|---|
| 18 to 20 | €15 to €25 |
| 21 to 24 | €10 to €20 |
| 25 and over | No surcharge |
On a 7-day rental for a 22-year-old, the surcharge alone can add €70 to €140 to the total. This is not optional — it cannot be waived by purchasing additional insurance or paying a higher base rate.
Compare car rental deals with young driver options
Car category restrictions under 21
Even where rental is permitted from age 18, suppliers often restrict which cars a driver under 21 can take:
- Permitted: economy, compact, small hatchbacks
- Often restricted: full-size saloons, estates, SUVs, MPVs, vans, premium categories
- Almost always restricted: luxury, sports, convertibles
Category restrictions vary by company. Confirm at booking, not at pickup — arriving expecting a mid-size and being downgraded to a supermini because of age is a common counter experience.
Countries with higher practical minimums
A few markets present genuine difficulty for drivers aged 18 to 20:
Ireland (23): the Irish market has the highest standard minimum in western Europe. Several major suppliers will not rent to anyone under 23 regardless of surcharge. Options are limited.
UK (21): post-Brexit, UK and EU markets have diverged slightly. Most UK suppliers set 21 as the floor. A 19-year-old from Spain will find few options at UK airport desks.
Greece and Croatia (21): in high season these markets are tight on fleet. Young drivers are competing for a smaller pool of permitted categories.
Exceptions worth knowing
Corporate accounts: some business rate agreements waive or reduce young driver surcharges. If the booking goes through an employer’s travel account, ask whether the young driver fee is waived.
One named driver under 25: if only one driver is under 25, some suppliers charge the surcharge only for that driver’s days behind the wheel. Read the rate conditions — this is not standard.
Local agencies: independent rental companies in Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands often have more flexible age policies than international brands, sometimes renting from 18 with a lower surcharge.
What to carry as a young driver
At pickup, bring:
- Driving licence (EU licence valid across EU; non-EU drivers may need an IDP)
- The card used to make the booking
- Confirmation of the booking that shows the young driver fee already paid or included
If the surcharge was not included at booking, expect it to be added at the counter. It is a contractual charge, not a negotiable one.
For more on licence requirements and IDPs, see car rental requirements.
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