According to InsideMongolia, by the end of 2025, more than 34,000 foreigners from 136 countries were living in Mongolia. However, it is worth noting that the growth in the number of officially registered foreign citizens by 7.4% year-on-year indicates that this is not just a short-term spike.
🍰 The largest group among foreigners consists of citizens of China, followed by Russians, Indians, South Koreans, and Americans.
⚖️ Legal Restrictions
According to Mongolia's legislation on the status of foreign citizens, the share of foreigners residing in the country for personal reasons cannot exceed 3% of the total population, while the share of citizens of any specific nationality must remain within 1%. Currently, foreigners make up only 0.9% of Mongolia's population, which opens up opportunities for further increases in immigration to the country. Chinese citizens account for 0.6% of the population, followed by Russians (0.09%), Indians (0.06%), South Koreans (0.04%), and Americans (0.03%).
🏗️ Areas of Activity
Statistics indicate that the increase in the foreign population in Mongolia is linked to labor needs and investments. Foreigners are employed in various sectors, including mining, construction, services, and logistics. Investors and students also make up a significant portion, highlighting Mongolia's role as a platform for project implementation and an educational center in the region.
📈 Significance of this Process
The increase in the number of foreigners in Mongolia signals structural changes in the country's economy. Labor shortages, capital-intensive projects, and deepening integration with other regions contribute to this process. Although the absolute numbers are small, the observed trend suggests that in the coming years, foreigners will play an increasingly prominent role in Mongolia's economy, investments, and labor market.
According to the targeted distribution of registered foreigners, 560 individuals are in the country for official purposes, 17,168 for employment, 5,213 for studies, 5,329 for investments, 1,767 for immigration, 134 for religious reasons, 3,022 for family circumstances, and 1,079 for other personal reasons. The number of foreigners in Mongolia for official and personal reasons has increased by 7.4% compared to the previous year.
