Can I work remotely from Mongolia without a work permit?

Many digital nomads work remotely on tourist visas (30 days + 30-day extension) without issues. This is technically not authorized but enforcement is minimal for those not earning Mongolian income. For stays beyond 60 days, you would need to leave and re-enter or obtain a proper visa.

What is the average salary for expats in Mongolia?

It varies widely by sector. Mining industry expats earn $3,000–$10,000+/month. NGO and development workers earn $2,000–$5,000/month. English teachers earn $800–$1,500/month. All of these salaries go very far given Mongolia's low cost of living.

Is it easy to find work in Mongolia as a foreigner?

Jobs are available but concentrated in specific sectors — mining, NGOs, education, and diplomacy. Networking through the expat community in Ulaanbaatar is crucial. Apply before arriving if possible, especially for NGO and teaching positions. Mining companies recruit internationally through their global HR processes.

Do I need to speak Mongolian to work in Mongolia?

For international organizations, mining companies, and international schools, English is the working language. For local Mongolian companies or government positions, Mongolian is essential. Learning basic Mongolian significantly helps with daily life and building local relationships, even in English-speaking workplaces.

How is the internet quality for remote work in Ulaanbaatar?

Fixed broadband in UB averages ~74 Mbps, which is adequate for video calls, screen sharing, and most remote work tasks. Fiber connections are available in newer apartment buildings. Mobile 4G is reliable in the city (21 Mbps average). Outside UB, internet quality drops significantly. For important calls, coworking spaces with dedicated lines are recommended.

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🇲🇳 Mongolia

Work & Business

Mongolia's economy is driven by mining, agriculture, and increasingly, services and technology. Expat employment is concentrated in mining, NGOs, education, and diplomatic organizations.

Mining, NGOs

Key Industries

Main expat employers

$300–$600/mo

Avg. Local Salary

Mongolian average

$800–$1,500/mo

English Teaching

At international schools

~74 Mbps

Internet (Fixed)

Median broadband speed

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Ulaanbaatar 🏭Darkhan

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Overview

Mongolia's economy is driven by mining, agriculture, and increasingly, services and technology. Expat employment is concentrated in mining, NGOs, education, and diplomatic organizations. Remote work is possible with Ulaanbaatar's improving internet infrastructure, though there is no dedicated digital nomad visa.

Key Takeaways

Fixed broadband: ~74 Mbps median download speed in Ulaanbaatar
Mining: Oyu Tolgoi (Rio Tinto), Erdenet Copper Mine, Tavan Tolgoi coal — highest-paying expat jobs
International schools (American, British, Turkish): $1,000–$2,000/month + housing allowance
Foreign-owned companies: allowed in most sectors — some restrictions in mining and media

Remote Work & Digital Nomad Scene

Mongolia is an emerging but niche destination for digital nomads. Ulaanbaatar's fixed broadband averages 74 Mbps, and a handful of coworking spaces have opened in the city center. The ultra-low cost of living makes Mongolia attractive for remote workers earning in Western currencies, but the harsh winter climate and limited nomad infrastructure mean it's best suited for adventurous nomads rather than those seeking Southeast Asia-style comfort.

Fixed broadband: ~74 Mbps median download speed in Ulaanbaatar
Mobile internet: ~21 Mbps median download speed; 100% 4G coverage in urban areas
Coworking spaces: 4–5 options in UB (Moffice, Startup Terminal, HUB, UB LAB 33)
Coworking cost: $50–$100/month — among the cheapest in the world
Café culture: growing number of Western-style cafés with WiFi in central UB
Time zone: UTC+8 — good overlap with Asian markets; morning overlap with European afternoons
No digital nomad visa — most remote workers use tourist visa with 30-day extension

Employment Sectors for Expats

The main employment sectors for expatriates in Mongolia are mining, international development (NGOs and multilateral organizations), education, and diplomacy. Mongolia's mining boom — driven by copper, gold, and coal — has created significant demand for foreign technical expertise.

Mining: Oyu Tolgoi (Rio Tinto), Erdenet Copper Mine, Tavan Tolgoi coal — highest-paying expat jobs
NGOs/development: World Bank, UNDP, USAID, GIZ, JICA, and dozens of international NGOs based in UB
Education: international schools and English language centers actively recruit foreign teachers
Diplomacy: embassies and consulates employ support staff and specialists
Tourism: growing sector — tour operators, hospitality, and adventure tourism companies hire seasonally
Expat salaries: mining pays $3,000–$10,000+/month; NGOs $2,000–$5,000/month; teaching $800–$1,500/month
Local employment contracts: typically include housing allowance and annual return flights for senior positions

Teaching English in Mongolia

English teaching is one of the most accessible paths for expats in Mongolia. International schools, language centers, and universities all hire native English speakers. Pay is modest by Western standards but very comfortable relative to the local cost of living. A TEFL/TESOL certificate is usually required or strongly preferred.

International schools (American, British, Turkish): $1,000–$2,000/month + housing allowance
Language centers (Wall Street English, Santis, others): $800–$1,200/month
University lecturing: $800–$1,500/month at Mongolian universities
Private tutoring: $10–$25/hour — growing demand from wealthy Mongolian families
TEFL/TESOL certificate: required by most employers; online certification accepted
Contract length: typically 1 academic year (September–June)
Benefits often include: housing assistance, work permit sponsorship, and return flight

Starting a Business in Mongolia

Mongolia's economy is relatively open to foreign investment, particularly in mining, tourism, and services. Starting a business requires company registration, a business visa, and navigating Mongolian bureaucracy — which can be challenging without local support. Having a Mongolian business partner or legal advisor is highly recommended.

Foreign-owned companies: allowed in most sectors — some restrictions in mining and media
Company registration: typically 2–4 weeks; requires a Mongolian registered address
Minimum capital requirement: varies by business type — typically ₮5 million (~$1,500) minimum
Corporate tax: 10% on first ₮6 billion profit; 25% above
VAT: 10% on most goods and services
Key sectors for foreign entrepreneurs: tourism, IT services, mining support, import/export
Mongolian partner/advisor: highly recommended for navigating bureaucracy and cultural norms

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