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THE CITIZENSHIP DESK

Mongolia

MNG

Mongolia is a vast, sparsely populated landlocked nation wedged between Russia and China in the heart of Central and East Asia. Ulaanbaatar, home to nearly half the population, is the political, cultural, and economic hub. The economy is heavily reliant on mining — particularly coal, copper, and gold — alongside traditional nomadic livestock herding that still defines rural life across the steppe and Gobi Desert. Mongolia transitioned to democracy in 1990 and maintains a parliamentary system. Dual citizenship is not permitted. Long-term residency for foreigners is possible through employment or investment, but pathways are limited. Personal income tax is a flat 10%, and the tax system is residence-based. Rapid urbanisation and a growing middle class are reshaping Ulaanbaatar, though air pollution in winter remains a serious public health concern.

Passport Rank

#64

Visa-Free

64

destinations

Country Details

Capital
Ulaanbaatar
Currency
MNT
Languages
Mongolian
Population
3,398,366
Tax System
Residence Based
Dual Citizenship
Not allowed
Naturalisation
5 years
Schengen / EU
No
Climate
Semi-arid continental; harsh winters with temperatures frequently below -20°C, short warm summers; Ulaanbaatar is the world's coldest capital city

Indices

Cost of Living

35

Safety

62

Healthcare

38

Quality of Life

95

Tax Summary

Tax System
Residence Based
Territorial Taxation
No — worldwide income taxed for residents
Naturalisation
5 years of legal residency
Dual Citizenship
Not allowed

Cost of Living by City

← scroll the table →

Monthly cost of living per major city in USD: rent, groceries, utilities, transit pass
CityRent 1BR centreRent outsideGroceriesUtilitiesTransit pass
Ulaanbaatar$15
Erdenet$8
Darkhan$7

Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.

Climate

Ulaanbaatar

-20°J
-18°F
-9°M
2°A
10°M
15°J
17°J
15°A
9°S
1°O
-9°N
-17°D

Rainfall range: 375 mm/month · Daylight 8.3h (winter) to 15.7h (summer)

Visa Categories & Immigration Authority

Major Visa Categories

  • Tourist
  • Business
  • Work
  • Investor
  • Student
  • Family
  • Religious
Authority
General Authority for Border Protection / Immigration
Official Portal
www.immigration.gov.mn
Phone
+976-1800-1882

Naturalisation Details

Residence Years
Language Test
Yes (level n/a)
Civic Test
Yes
Oath Required
No
Dual Allowed
No
Fee
$50
Processing
~24 months

Safety

GPI Rank

#105

Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)

Common Risks

  • Taxi overcharging and meter fraud, especially from Chinggis Khaan International Airport
  • Fake cashmere goods sold at tourist prices in Narantuul (Black) Market
  • Distraction theft and pickpocketing in crowded Sukhbaatar Square and State Department Store area
  • Nightclub drink spiking and robbery in Ulaanbaatar entertainment districts

Related Guides

Sources & last verified

  • Last verified 2026-06-15