By: Paralegal T.Munkhbat 

Date 2025 August 19 

Our law firm is pleased to announce that, starting this month, we will publish blogs on important topics related to foreign invested companies in Mongolia.

 In this first blog, we have prepared information on how a foreign national may obtain the necessary visa and residence permit to lawfully reside and work in Mongolia, and what matters require special attention. 

This article is structured as follows:

1. Obtaining the Employment Preliminary Permit (Invitation) 

2. Obtaining the Visa Approval 

3. Visa Endorsement 

4. Obtaining the Employment Permit 

5. Obtaining the Residence Permit Card 

6. Costs 

7. Penalties 

1. Employment Preliminary Permit (Invitation)  

To work in Mongolia, the employer must first obtain a Employment Preliminary Permit (Invitation), from the General Office for Labour and Welfare Services (GOLWS). 

The inviting entity shall submit the following documents electronically and in hard copy: 

• Official request letter (in prescribed form) 

• Copy of the legal entity’s state registration certificate

•  Social insurance payment statements – Forms ND-7 and ND-8

•  Employment contract with the foreign national in their native language, together with its notarized Mongolian translation

•  Proof of payment of the service fee 

• Copy of passport 

• Any other required documents 

Electronic submission is made via the Foreign Labour Recruitment Authorization System: https://avah.hudulmur-halamj.gov.mn/#/ 

2. Visa Approval

After obtaining the Invitation, the employer must apply to the Immigration Agency of Mongolia for Visa Approval. 

 The following documents must be submitted electronically: 

• Official request letter from the inviting entity 

• Copy of the legal entity’s state registration certificate 

• Employment Preliminary Permit (Invitation) issued by the GOLWS 

• Power of attorney, employee ID card, and national ID card of the person authorized by the employer to submit the application 

• Proof of home address 

• Any other required documents 

The official request letter must clearly specify the intended period of stay in Mongolia, the place where the visa will be issued, and the sector of employment. 

Home address proof requirements: 

• If the employee will reside in rented premises, the lease agreement must be submitted along with the property certificate. 

• If the lease agreement is signed on behalf of the foreign employee or the inviting entity by an authorized individual, supporting documents identifying that individual and their power of attorney must be attached.

•  It is advisable to obtain a letter from the governor of the relevant khoroo or bag confirming that the foreign national resides at the given address. 

Electronic submission is made via the Immigration Agency’s e-system: https://isf.mn/mn/service 

3. Visa Endorsement 

The Visa Approval is valid for 60 days, within which the visa must be endorsed. 

The foreign national may have the visa stamped at: 

a) A Mongolian diplomatic mission abroad, or 
b) A border crossing point, or 
c) An international airport in Mongolia. 

If the place of visa endorsement changes after the approval is granted, a new visa approval must be obtained 

4. Employment Permit

The foreign national has the Category C work visa endorsed in their passport. However, the process is not yet complete. 

5. Residence Permit Card 

Finally, the foreign national must obtain a Residence Permit Card. 

The inviting entity must submit the following documents to the Immigration Agency electronically: 

• Passport-sized photo of the foreign national 

• Copy of passport 

• Official request letter detailing the nature of the inviting entity’s activities, the type of residence permit requested, and the intended period of stay 

The application must be submitted within 21 calendar days from the foreign national’s entry into Mongolia. 

6. Costs 

Minimum estimated costs for a standard application for one foreign national to work in Mongolia for one month: 

1. Service fee for invitation – MNT 30,000 

2. Service fee for visa approval – MNT 2,500 

3. Service fee for visa endorsement USD 5 + single-entry ordinary visa fee USD 45 

4. Service fee for employment permit – MNT 30,000 + job position fee MNT 1,584,000 

5. Stamp duty for recidence card – MNT 135,000 + service fee USD 7

 Total: MNT 1,781,500 + USD 57 (excluding other incidental costs such as notarization, certified translations, transportation, etc.) 

Costs will vary depending on urgency, number of foreign employees, length of stay, and frequency of border crossings. 

7. Time Limits and Penalties 

1. Preliminary Work Permit (Invitation) – Valid for 3 months. If the work contract and main work permit are not obtained within this period, it may be extended once for up to 3 months, provided there is a valid reason. No penalties apply, but a new application is required after expiration. 

2. Visa Approval – Valid for 60 days. No penalties apply for expiry, but a new application must be made. 

3. Residence Permit Card – Must be applied for within 21 calendar days of entry. Failure to do so will result in a fine under the Law on Infringements of an amount equal to 10,000 Mongolian tugriks per day of delay. 

For further advice or detailed guidance related to this article, please contact us at: 
E-mail: contact@akp.mn 
Tel: 7704-1414