Mongolia Business Registration Guide 2026
Registering a business in Mongolia involves registration with the State Registration Authority (SRA), obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from MTA, and securing any required sector-specific licences. The Companies Law of Mongolia governs company formation. The main business structures are limited liability company (LLC), joint stock company (JSC), branch of a foreign company, and sole proprietorship. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks and costs approximately MNT 200,000-1,000,000 depending on the structure.
Overview — Business Registration in Mongolia
The State Registration Authority (SRA) under the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs is responsible for company registration and business name registration in Mongolia. The Companies Law of Mongolia (revised 2011) governs corporate entities. The SRA operates an online portal for company name reservation, incorporation, and filing of annual returns. Registration with MTA for tax purposes is a separate but mandatory step. Mongolia has made progress in improving the ease of doing business, with most registration steps now available online through the One-Stop Service system.
Company Types Under Mongolian Law
The Companies Law provides various business structures for investors:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) — most common structure, minimum 1 shareholder and 1 director, no maximum shareholders, liability limited to share capital
- Joint Stock Company (JSC) — suitable for larger enterprises, shares may be offered to the public, minimum MNT 100 million share capital, board of directors required
- Branch of a foreign company — foreign company registered to carry on business in Mongolia, no separate legal personality
- Representative office — limited to non-commercial activities (market research, liaison), no profit-making activities
- Sole proprietorship — individual trading under their own name or registered business name
- Partnership — general partnership or limited partnership under the Civil Code
An LLC is the preferred vehicle for most foreign and domestic investors due to its simplicity and limited liability protection.
Incorporation Process — Step by Step
The typical company incorporation process in Mongolia involves the following steps:
- Step 1 — Name reservation — Submit 3 proposed company names to SRA. Name search and reservation costs MNT 20,000-50,000. Processing time 1-2 days.
- Step 2 — Prepare documents — Charter (Articles of Association), incorporation resolution, registered office address, director and shareholder details
- Step 3 — Notarisation — Charter and other documents must be notarised (cost MNT 50,000-100,000)
- Step 4 — Payment of fees — State registration fee ranges from MNT 100,000 to MNT 500,000 depending on share capital
- Step 5 — Submission — Submit all documents to SRA online or in person. Processing time 5-10 business days.
- Step 6 — Certificate of Registration — SRA issues the certificate and company seal
The total cost for a standard LLC with MNT 10 million share capital is approximately MNT 200,000-500,000 including government fees and notary fees (legal fees extra).
Tax Registration — MTA TIN
After receiving the Certificate of Registration, the company must register for tax with MTA within 30 days. The tax registration process includes:
- Obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for the company
- Registering for corporate income tax
- Registering for VAT if annual turnover will exceed approximately MNT 50 million
- Registering for PAYE if the company will employ staff
- Registering for social insurance with SIGO
Tax registration is done online through the MTA portal. Required documents include the Certificate of Registration, Charter, proof of registered address, and director passport photos. The TIN is issued within 1-3 business days. There is no fee for initial tax registration.
Business Permits & Licences
Depending on the business sector, additional permits and licences may be required:
- General business licence — from the local government authority (aimag or district)
- Environmental permit — from the Ministry of Environment for mining, manufacturing, and other high-impact activities
- Mining licence — from the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority (MRPAM) for exploration and mining
- Financial services licence — from the Financial Regulatory Commission (FRC) or Bank of Mongolia for regulated financial activities
- Tourism licence — from the Ministry of Culture for hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies
- Construction licence — from the Construction Development Centre for building and construction activities
Foreign investors should check whether their sector is restricted or subject to foreign ownership limits. Certain sectors are reserved for Mongolian nationals or require government approval.
FAQs
Can a foreigner register a company in Mongolia?
Yes, foreigners may register a company in Mongolia. However, certain sectors (media, land ownership, and others) are restricted. Foreign investment in mining, banking, and telecommunications may require additional approvals.
How long does the full registration process take?
Name reservation: 1-2 days. Incorporation: 5-10 business days. Tax registration: 1-3 days. Total: 2-4 weeks with professional assistance.
What are the annual compliance requirements for a Mongolian company?
Annual return to SRA (filed by 31 March), annual tax return (filed by 15 February), monthly PAYE returns (if employing staff), VAT returns (if registered), and social insurance monthly returns.
Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about business registration in Mongolia for 2026. Laws, fees, and procedures may change. Always consult with a qualified Mongolian corporate lawyer or the State Registration Authority for advice specific to your situation. InvestmentKit does not provide legal advice.