+ dreams turned into reality
Ever thought about working while exploring Mongolia? A Working Holiday visa lets you experience life in this unique country—earning as you go, from the energy of Ulaanbaatar to the open steppes. Immerse yourself in the local culture, meet new people, and see Mongolia beyond the usual tourist spots. Whether you're drawn to the modern cityscape, the nomadic traditions, or the vast, untouched landscapes, this is your chance to live, work, and explore in one of the most fascinating destinations in East Asia.
This guide has everything you need to make your Mongolian working holiday an adventure you'll never forget.
Imagine this:
Young adults can utilise Mongolia's Working Holiday Visa program to spend 12 months living and working while travelling the entire country. The visa allows individuals to spend time in Mongolia to experience the local culture and work temporarily during their travels.
The program seeks to build cultural connections between Mongolia and its international counterparts, enabling participants to gain priceless cultural experiences.
Top Tip: When applying, register for travelling social apps to connect with people who have previously experienced working holidays in Mongolia.
To apply for a Working Holiday Visa in Mongolia, one must meet the following requirements:
You are not eligible if:
Documents to Submit (may vary depending on your nationality):
Top Tip: When showing proof of funds, use a dedicated travel account (if available) rather than your main bank account. This creates a financial trail specifically for your trip and can simplify the application process.
Mongolia has limited working holiday agreements, with the only confirmed arrangement being with Australia. From 2022, this agreement allows up to 100 Australians to live and work in Mongolia for up to 12 months. However, bilateral agreements between countries are constantly changing, so it's worth checking if your country has an agreement with Mongolia. For the most up-to-date information, contact your local consulate.
Top Tip: Application processing times can vary significantly by country. Apply at least 3 months before your departure, even if the official processing time is shorter.
The Mongolia Working Holiday Visa process is straightforward, but paying attention to the details is essential to ensure your application is approved.
Document Preparation:
Submit Application:
After arriving in Mongolia on your Working Holiday Visa, there are several steps you can take to make your transition as easy as possible. Since you will be staying for more than thirty days, within seven days after arrival, you must register with the Mongolian Immigration Agency in Ulaanbaatar. The documents needed include a passport, visa documentation and accommodation information.
Set up financial means by opening a local bank at institutions such as Khan Bank, Golomt Bank, or Trade & Development Bank.
Obtain a Mongolian SIM card from companies such as Mobicom, Unitel, or Skytel for affordable calls within the country. Mongolia has great connectivity. However, when and if you decide to travel more remotely, you may have limited accessibility to high-speed internet and cellular options.
Regarding accommodation, try to find a place to live in Ulaanbaatar through online platforms, local agencies, or social apps where people who have travelled to Mongolia offer tips and leads on available vacancies.
If you intend to work, get the Mongolian tax number from your employer or the tax office. This is necessary to qualify for the job or before joining the company.
Lastly, get acquainted with local transportation and essential services situated nearby. Download offline maps for directions, especially when travelling in areas not covered by internet connectivity.
Top Tip: Always take pictures of all official registration documents and save them in cloud storage to easily access them in an emergency.
Several industries are open to working holiday visa holders in Mongolia, which provides better job prospects for these applicants.
Teaching English is relatively easy as many language schools, international organisations, private language centres, and schools are available in Ulaanbaatar. Even without formal teaching qualifications, many find work through conversation classes or activity-based language instruction.
Tourism and hospitality roles flourish during the summer (May to September). Tour companies, especially foreign ones, look for tour guides with knowledge of foreign languages, while hotels, restaurants, and camps are looking for service staff to attend to foreigners and other tourists.
Despite the Mongolian economy being more conventional, careers in information technology and business enable freelancers to work from home while exploring the country's culture through fast and steady connections.
Through international non-governmental organisations, the non-profit sector gives back to society by offering services in community development, conservancy of the physical environment, and education. Such positions pay relatively low allowances instead of salaries.
Top Tip: Prepare a bilingual resume presenting your skills and experiences in English and Mongolian. This small measure opens many more opportunities to get employed in all sectors and portrays respect for the Mongolian culture, something they appreciate.
It has a mixture of soviet style architecture and modern construction. Visit Gandantegchinlen Monastery, explore the National Museum, and deepen your understnading of the difference between the old and the new Mongolia.
It is one of the most brillaint destinations in the world, and it offers stunning sights such as the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag and the singing sand dunes of Khongoryn Els.
This is one of the largest freshwater sources in Mongolia and attracts many tourists, especially during summer, as the surrounding area is dense with numerous ranges of mountains and forests, wildlife, and wildflowers.
Be enchanted with the walking tour through the city that once was the capital of the Mongol Empire and visit the stunning Erdene Zuu Monastery with 108 stupas.
Trek through breathtaking landscapes and meet amazing eagle hunters with deep-rooted cultures in Western Mongolia.
Situated a few kilometres from Ulaanbaatar, this park presents unique geographical structures and opportunities to ride horses and stay in a ger (a traditional dwelling among Mongolians).
This site represents a UNESCO World Heritage comprised of nomadic pastoral, ancient monuments, and Orkhon waterfall.
Top Tip: Make your travel during the shoulder seasons in May or September to enjoy good weather and avoid crowding during peak times whilst interacting with locals.
When travelling through Mongolia, you should be prepared and flexible; several types of transport can be used to get to different destinations.
Domestic flights
Domestic flights are carried out by MIAT Mongolian Airlines and Hunnu Air to Ulaanbaatar's provincial centres, including Olgii, Moron, and Dalanzadgad. Flying is relatively costly but reduces time spent on the road, especially in western parts of the country.
Trans-Mongolian Railway
The main line connects Ulaanbaatar to the north and the south borders, offering an affordable means of transport across miles of endless green steppe—book tickets several days in advance, especially during summer.
Shared Jeeps/Vans
These are the locally available taxis in the markets in Ulaanbaatar to the provincial towns, and they only leave when they are full. Remember that the amenities would be on the bare minimum and the timetable would be highly unsystematic.
Local Buses
These are found within Ulaanbaatar city and between some major towns. They are cheaper than other main transport but have limited routes, and some have little or no English writing.
Car Rental
You can self-drive in Ulaanbaatar with a rented car; however, to get to the off-road attractions, you need lots of experience since tarmac roads do not easily access most regions.
Motorcycle Rental
It's a fantastic choice for tourists eager to ride a motorcycle to discover various viewpoints of Mongolia, especially during the summer.
Top Tip: Before moving to any region, check with other travellers about shared transport to save on costs and be safe in insecure territories.
Mongolian laws regarding income tax apply to all working holiday visa holders. The Employment income of the Mongolian is subject to a personal income tax rate of 20% on average.
Employers are supposed to deduct taxes from your salary and ensure they give you the receipt for the taxes paid. You might be required to file tax returns if you work in multiple organisations or as a freelancer.
Before leaving Mongolia, get a certificate of taxes paid in case of future visa problems and for tax claims back home.
Top Tip: Any pay slip or tax document should be scanned and stored digitally. Mongolia's tax system uses paper documentation that may be hardly replaceable if lost, and you may need it for your home country's tax returns.
Can I extend my Working Holiday Visa once I'm in Mongolia?
Yes, you can extend your Working Holiday Visa in Mongolia by submitting your request at least five working days before expiration and receiving a one-time 30-day extension.
Is it possible to travel to remote areas solo?
Yes, you can travel to remote areas independently by preparing thoroughly with suitable vehicles, navigational equipment, and emergency items. The absence of formal roads, accommodations, and services throughout remote regions makes travelling there without the expertise of locals exceptionally difficult. Travellers usually join an organised tour group or hire a local guide as part of safety measures when exploring areas that extend past main transportation routes.
What vaccinations are recommended before travelling to Mongolia?
Before visiting Mongolia, medical authorities advise all travellers to receive hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies vaccinations, and standard routine vaccines. If arriving during the winter season, you should consider getting seasonal influenza vaccinations because urban areas have higher rates of respiratory infections.
Can I drive in Mongolia with my home country's license?
The licenses of most nations maintain validity in Mongolia for a maximum of 6 months through an international driving permit. You must get a Mongolian driver's license after your 6-month validity period. Driving in Mongolia demands deep experience of off-road surfaces and harsh environments because it contrasts remarkably with driving in developed countries.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Mongolia?
Drinking untreated tap water in Mongolia is unsafe everywhere because of deteriorating water distribution pipes. Water from streams and lakes should also be avoided in countryside areas because livestock often defecates into these water bodies. You can access bottled water across urban areas as your main water supply.
A Mongolian Working Holiday offers a unique opportunity to experience a way of life that remains deeply connected to tradition. From the vast, open steppes to the dynamic energy of Ulaanbaatar, this journey goes beyond tourism. While there may be logistical challenges, the rewards are invaluable—practical skills, cultural immersion, and a deeper understanding of a truly unique country. For those seeking an enriching and transformative experience, Mongolia presents an adventure unlike any other.
If you want to learn about the working holiday visa’s for other countries, we have extensive guides for countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Korea, Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong, Estonia, Netherlands, Portugal, Peru, Greece, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, New Zealand, Ecuador, Brazil and more coming.
Jessie Chambers
Jessie Chambers is the adventurous spirit behind the Global Work & Travel blog. A passionate globetrotter, Jessie has explored over 30 countries.
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