Housing
In Ulaanbaatar, Sukhbaatar and Khan-Uul are popular for their central location, proximity to business centers, and
modern housing, while Bayanzurkh and Songino Khairkhan offer more affordable rental options.
modern housing, while Bayanzurkh and Songino Khairkhan offer more affordable rental options.
Average monthly rates in Ulaanbaatar
Studio
$435–$580
$870–$1,015
$985–$1,160
$1,160–$1,595
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$580–$725
Three-bedroom apartment
Four-bedroom apartment
Key Trends:
- Studios and 1-bedroom apartments are increasingly popular, especially in central areas, driven by young professionals and students.
- Bayanzurkh and Songino Khairkhan remain the most affordable areas for rental housing.
Challenges:
- The growing demand for modern, well-furnished apartments is driving up average rental prices, making affordability a concern for some renters.
- Sukhbaatar and Khan-Uul districts offer modern housing and premium services but also lead in rental prices.
- A young market that often lacks professional real estate agents.
Immigration
Mongolia’s visa program is quite extensive and includes 9 visa types with more than 60 subtypes. For short-term stays, visitors typically get a K visa. Other visas include B for investors, C for workers, F for family reunions, and E for students. Mongolia's E visa program allows nationals from 36 countries to obtain a K or transit visa in just 3 days.
Nationals of 51 countries, including the EU, UK, Japan, UAE, and Russia, can stay visa-free for up to 30 days, while citizens of 14 countries, such as the U.S., China, and South Korea, are permitted up to 90 days. Longer stays require a visa.
For longer stays, foreign nationals must obtain a residence permit, with types matching the relevant visa (e.g., C1 for construction workers, C6 for services, C8 for health sector).
To obtain a work residence permit, applicants must have a local employer. Programs like secondment of employee under a foreign labor contract or short-term work assignments from a foreign employer don't have specific residence categories.
Requirements vary by permit type, but key factors include government quotas, qualifications, a local labor agreement, and an invitation letter. Local immigration expert assistance is advised. Processing typically takes about two months.
Foreign nationals arriving to Mongolia are obliged to register their stay with the Immigration Agency within 48 hours upon arrival. This can be done by a landlord or accommodations provider, and can be done online via state services portal.
Nationals of 51 countries, including the EU, UK, Japan, UAE, and Russia, can stay visa-free for up to 30 days, while citizens of 14 countries, such as the U.S., China, and South Korea, are permitted up to 90 days. Longer stays require a visa.
For longer stays, foreign nationals must obtain a residence permit, with types matching the relevant visa (e.g., C1 for construction workers, C6 for services, C8 for health sector).
To obtain a work residence permit, applicants must have a local employer. Programs like secondment of employee under a foreign labor contract or short-term work assignments from a foreign employer don't have specific residence categories.
Requirements vary by permit type, but key factors include government quotas, qualifications, a local labor agreement, and an invitation letter. Local immigration expert assistance is advised. Processing typically takes about two months.
Foreign nationals arriving to Mongolia are obliged to register their stay with the Immigration Agency within 48 hours upon arrival. This can be done by a landlord or accommodations provider, and can be done online via state services portal.
Moving
Transportation: Mongolia’s household goods transportation relies primarily on trucking, with key border crossings facilitating the import of goods from neighboring countries. FCL shipments arrive via the Port of Tianjin in China, while LCL shipments are processed through logistics hubs in China and transported by rail or truck to Mongolia. The primary airport is Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN).
Customs Duties: used household goods and personal effects are exempt from customs duties and VAT if they have been owned and used for at least 6 months, and the individual has lived abroad for at least 1 year. Returning citizens must have resided abroad for at least 6 months. Diplomatic shipments are always duty-free.
Customs clearance typically takes 3-5 business days.
Customs Duties: used household goods and personal effects are exempt from customs duties and VAT if they have been owned and used for at least 6 months, and the individual has lived abroad for at least 1 year. Returning citizens must have resided abroad for at least 6 months. Diplomatic shipments are always duty-free.
Customs clearance typically takes 3-5 business days.
