Mongolia
Mongolia is a landlocked country located in East and Central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. It is the world's second-largest landlocked country after Kazakhstan and is known for its vast, rugged expanses and nomadic culture. Its capital, Ulaanbaatar, is the largest city and the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Mongolia's landscape is diverse, with the Gobi Desert to the south and cold, mountainous regions to the north and west. The country has a rich history, once forming the largest contiguous empire in the world under the leadership of Genghis Khan in the 13th century. Today, Mongolia maintains its strong nomadic traditions, with many of its people living in portable, round tents called gers. The traditional lifestyle is closely tied to herding and agriculture, although urbanization and mining have grown significantly in recent years. The climate is extreme, with scorching summers and freezing winters, known as a continental climate. Despite its vast land area, Mongolia is sparsely populated, with vast open spaces that offer stunning natural beauty and a sense of isolation. The country is known for its annual Naadam Festival, which showcases traditional Mongolian sports such as wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Mongolia's economy is heavily dependent on mining, particularly coal, copper, and gold, but it also has a growing tourism industry, attracting visitors with its unique culture and landscapes. The preservation of the environment and traditional way of life, while adapting to modern economic development, is a significant challenge for Mongolia today.
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Podcasts
Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat
Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns
Living in Mongolia
Best Places to Live in Mongolia
Visa & Residency
Obtaining a residency in Mongolia involves several steps and the process can be somewhat bureaucratic, but it is manageable with the right preparation. Expats looking to live in Mongolia typically apply for either an HG visa, which is for foreign employees working in Mongolia, or an IN visa, which is for investors. To apply for an HG visa, the expat must first secure a job with a Mongolian company. The employer then needs to obtain an employment approval from the Mongolian Labor and Welfare Service Agency. Once this is granted, the expat can apply for the HG visa by submitting the employment approval, a valid passport, a visa application form, a passport-sized photo, and a state fee at the Mongolian consulate or embassy in their home country. The IN visa process is similar but is aimed at foreign nationals who plan to invest in the Mongolian economy. The investor must first receive investment approval from the relevant Mongolian authorities. Afterward, they can apply for the IN visa by providing the investment approval, a valid passport, a visa application form, a passport-sized photo, and the state fee at the Mongolian consulate or embassy. Both visas require the expat to register with the Mongolian Agency upon arrival and may require additional documentation depending on the specific circumstances. The process can be time-consuming and may require assistance from a legal professional or a company that specializes in Mongolian immigration. The difficulty of the process can vary depending on the expat's country of origin, the efficiency of the Mongolian authorities, and the completeness of the submitted documents. It is important to ensure that all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted in a timely manner to avoid delays. Overall, while there are several bureaucratic hurdles to overcome, the process is considered average in terms of difficulty when compared to other countries.
Healthcare in Mongolia
The system in Mongolia is a mix of public and private services. The public healthcare system is accessible to all citizens and is funded by the government, but it often suffers from a lack of resources, outdated equipment, and a shortage of healthcare professionals, especially in rural areas. Private healthcare is available and generally offers higher quality services with more modern facilities and equipment, but it is more expensive and thus less accessible to the average citizen. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they have the appropriate residency status, but many opt for private health insurance to ensure access to better quality care.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Mongolia is generally considered moderate. It can be relatively low outside of the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, but the cost of living in the capital can be higher due to more developed infrastructure and services.
Weather
Mongolia has a continental climate with long, cold winters and short, warm summers. The country is known for its clear skies and dramatic temperature changes, which can vary greatly between day and night. Precipitation is low, with the majority falling during the summer months. Winters are particularly harsh with temperatures that can drop below -30°C.
Educational System in Mongolia
The educational system in Mongolia has undergone significant changes since the 1990s, transitioning from a Soviet-style system to one that incorporates more elements of Western education. Education in Mongolia is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15, which includes primary and lower secondary education. The school year typically starts in September and ends in May, with a summer break in between. The education system is divided into four levels: pre-school, primary education (grades 1-5), lower secondary education (grades 6-9), and upper secondary education (grades 10-12). Mongolian children start their schooling at the age of 6. Primary education focuses on basic literacy and numeracy skills, while lower secondary education expands on a broad range of subjects including Mongolian language, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and foreign languages, usually English or Russian. Upper secondary education offers two tracks: general education and vocational training. General education prepares students for university, while vocational training provides practical skills for various trades. Upon completion of grade 12, students take a national examination that determines their eligibility for higher education. The quality of education in Mongolia has been improving, with the government investing in educational reforms, teacher training, and infrastructure development. However, there are still challenges such as rural access to education and disparities in educational quality.
