Living in Mongolia
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Mongolia, including guidance on residency, healthcare and education.
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Mongolia. Read about how our embassy in Ulaanbaatar can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Mongolian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British Nationals Abroad: a guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date, follow the British Embassy Ulaanbaatar on Facebook and Twitter.
Before you go
See our travel advice for Mongolia for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements for Mongolia in our travel advice. See how to apply for a visa to enter Mongolia.
A Mongolian visit visa is valid for a stay of up to 30 days within 6 months from the date of issue. Tourists may visit Mongolia for up to 30 days visa-free in 2023. If you are staying more than 90 days, you must register your stay with the Mongolian Immigration Agency in Ulaanbaatar within 21 days of arriving. Once registered you will be issued with a residence permit. The permit will include your date of birth, passport number, address, photograph and fingerprints. You should carry it with you at all times when you are in Mongolia.
Family members and dependents who wish to visit Mongolia for up to 30 days in 2023, can travel to Mongolia visa-free. For stays of more than 90 days, visit https://immigration.gov.mn/en/vizijn-zvshrl/tr-iregch/family/gerbulf1/ for information on what documents to provide.
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Mongolia.
Check the entry requirements on travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Mongolia
There are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between the UK and Mongolia. Therefore, you cannot register for free healthcare in Mongolia.
You are strongly advised to take out comprehensive medical insurance before travelling to Mongolia. You will have to pay for health treatment that you receive in Mongolia. Medical fees can be expensive. Insurance is essential, therefore, ensure that you have bought comprehensive travel insurance before you travel to Mongolia. Make sure that your policy provides for the following:
- an air ambulance, in case you need to be flown home
- full medical cover (bills can be very expensive)
- bringing a body home, in the event of a death
- bringing your family home, in the event of your illness or injury
If you need emergency medical assistance, dial 103 for an ambulance.
For police emergencies dial 102 and for the fire service dial 101.
See list of healthcare providers in Mongolia.
UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Mongolia. Certain medicines may not be available in Mongolia (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into Mongolia. You should consult your GP before travelling to Mongolia to find out about any alternative medication.
Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines.
You’re only allowed to bring medicines for personal use into Mongolia. These include medicines for urgent aid for up to 7 days or for the treatment of diabetes, cancer, mental illness or HIV/AIDS for which you have a doctor’s prescription. If you are arriving by plane, you should carry all medicines in your checked baggage.
Working in Mongolia
If you are planning to move to Mongolia and work, you will need a visa. Read the Mongolian government’s guidance on working in Mongolia as a foreign national (select English version) and how to get a visa.
You need to check with your prospective employer in Mongolia what documents you would need to apply for permission to work in Mongolia. These might include for example:
- ID documents/passport copy
- education/qualification documents
- previous employment reference
- police check
Documents required are not always the same for every employer and can change depending on the employer and the work you are applying for.
If you are going to work in Mongolia, your employer is responsible for your Mongolian visa. If you are interested in teaching English, most schools/universities in Mongolia require a qualification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) or an equivalent recognised qualification.
Studying in Mongolia
If you plan to study in Mongolia, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel. Read the Mongolian government’s guidance on how to get a visa.
Contact the relevant higher education provider in Mongolia to check what fees you have to pay.
The Mongolian government provides twelve years’ free primary and junior secondary education to all children attending public sector schools and as well as kindergarten. The Ministry of Education provides information regarding education policies and services in Mongolia.
Tax
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Mongolia so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Mongolia. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Mongolia.
Read guidance on:
- tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
- tax on your UK income if you live abroad
- tax if you get a pension and live abroad
- paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pension
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
If you retire in Mongolia, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
The official currency of Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). It is easy to convert most major currencies at official money changers, banks and hotels. Passport identification usually will be required for the exchange. ATMs are widely available to withdraw cash.
Debit and Credit cards are accepted at most major establishments in the capital city Ulaanbaatar. Smaller shops and restaurants will only accept cash and will not have a credit card facility, particularly in the more remote areas.
Long term/permanent foreign residents in Mongolia can open a bank account with any Mongolian bank. Documents likely to be required are:
- bank application
- passport and Mongolia residence permit card
However, you should check with the bank what their specific requirements are.
Accommodation and buying property
Driving in Mongolia
See information for foreign visitors who drive in Mongolia (in English).
You can drive with your UK driver’s licence if you are staying in Mongolia for up to 30 days. If you are living in Mongolia for longer than 30 days, you must obtain a Mongolian driving licence. You can apply for this at the Licence Centre of the National Police Agency, and are likely to be asked to provide the following:
- driving licence application
- copy of your passport
- copy of your British driving licence and its official translation
- photos
- blood type test result
- a fee
You should contact the issuing authority for exact details of what documents you need to provide.
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing authority (eg the DVLA).
See guidance on travelling by road in Mongolia.
See guidance if you wish to take your vehicle with you.
For more information about driving abroad, see Driving abroad.
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Mongolia, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Voting
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Mongolia, you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
If your child has British nationality](https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-british-parent), you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport. See https://www.gov.uk/get-a-child-passport/first-child-passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in Mongolia read our guidance on:
- what to do if someone dies abroad
- bereavement guidance for Mongolia
- English-speaking funeral directors in Mongolia
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
Pets
If you’re moving to Mongolia with your pet, read the guidance about taking your pet abroad and ensure you comply with the regulations.
It is advisable to hire a pet relocation company/agent to complete the necessary procedures for bringing your pet to Mongolia. If you plan complete the process yourself, contact the Embassy of Mongolia in London for up to date information.
While relocating with pets, please keep the following in mind:
- microchip your pet
- while a rabies titer test is not required for Mongolia, all pets must have proof of the current rabies vaccination minimum 30 days prior to entering Mongolia
- a licensed veterinarian must complete the Veterinary Certificate for Mongolia prior to travel
- an import permit is not required when entering Mongolia with personal pet
- all pets must enter Mongolia via Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar
- pets can arrive in the cabin, as checked baggage or as air cargo
- all pets must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry
- Mongolia does not publish a list of banned breeds
Emergencies
Dial 101 for the fire service.
Dial 102 for police emergencies including to report a missing child.
Dial 103 for emergency medical assistance/ambulance.
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Mongolia, read the guidance on what to do and where to get support in Mongolia.
See also victim of rape and sexual assault abroad.
Find an English-speaking lawyer in Mongolia.
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British Embassy, Ulaanbaatar.
Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCDO and the British Embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.
Updates to this page
Published 25 June 2013Last updated 9 August 2023 + show all updates
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Routine review- all information is current.
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Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.
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Added new information on local law and customs and contingency planning
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First published.