Mongolia
Mongolia is a vast, landlocked country in East Asia bordered by Russia and China, known for its sprawling steppes, deserts, and nomadic heritage. The landscape is dominated by the Gobi Desert in the south and mountainous regions in the north and west, with Ulaanbaatar serving as the capital and largest city. The culture is deeply rooted in nomadic traditions, horsemanship, and Buddhism, with a rich history of Mongol Empire legacy. The economy relies heavily on mining (coal, copper, gold), agriculture, and increasingly tourism. Life in Mongolia offers a unique blend of traditional pastoral culture and modern urban development, with a relatively small population spread across an enormous territory. The country experiences extreme seasonal variations and a growing expatriate community, particularly in Ulaanbaatar.
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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
Mongolia's cost of living is generally low to moderate, particularly outside Ulaanbaatar. Rental prices in the capital range from $300–$800 USD monthly for a one-bedroom apartment in central areas, while outside the city they are significantly cheaper. Property purchases average $2,000–$4,000 USD per square meter in Ulaanbaatar but are considerably lower in provincial areas. Daily expenses for groceries, dining, and transportation are affordable compared to Western countries, though imported goods carry premium prices.
Weather
Mongolia has a continental climate with extreme seasonal temperature variations. Winters are harsh and long, with temperatures dropping to -20°C to -40°C (-4°F to -40°F) from November to March, while summers are warm and short, reaching 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) from June to August. Spring and autumn are brief transitional periods with unpredictable weather. Precipitation is low throughout the year, with most rainfall occurring in summer months.
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.
