Tag Archives: Corporate Commercial

Tax Incentives for Businesses Operating in Free Zones in Mongolia: What You Need to Know



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Are you considering investing in a free zone? The benefits can go beyond logistical advantages—there are tax incentives you might be eligible for, depending on the nature of your business and your investment scale. Let’s explore the opportunities outlined in the Corporate Income Tax Law and how they can work for you.

What Are Free Zones?

Free zones are designated areas where businesses can operate under special regulations designed to encourage investment, innovation, and trade. To support economic development, many governments offer tax reliefs to incentivize investments in infrastructure and key facilities within these zones.

Tax Relief: How It Works

Under Article 22.5 of the Corporate Income Tax Law, businesses operating in free zones can enjoy significant tax breaks if they meet one of the following conditions:

1. Investing in Free Zone Infrastructure

If your business has invested $500,000 USD or more in critical infrastructure, such as:

  • Energy and heating systems
  • Pipelines and clean water supply
  • Sewage systems
  • Roads, railways, or airports
  • Communication networkss

Then, 50% of the income you earn from the free zone—equal to the amount of your investment—will be exempt from corporate income tax.

2. Investing in Specific Free Zone Facilities

If your investment focuses on constructing or developing:

  • Warehouses
  • Loading and unloading terminals
  • Hotels or tourism complexes
  • Factories producing export-oriented or import-substituting products

And your investment totals $300,000 USD or more, you’re also eligible for a tax break. Similar to infrastructure investments, 50% of your income from the free zone—up to the value of your investment—is exempt from corporate income tax.

Beyond the tax incentives, free zones offer:

  • Easier access to global markets
  • Streamlined customs procedures
  • Modern infrastructure tailored for business operations
  • Networking opportunities with like-minded entrepreneurs

These advantages make free zones a hotspot for businesses aiming to expand regionally or globally while optimizing costs.

Unlock the Benefits of Trade: How to Obtain a Certificate of Origin in Mongolia



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A Certificate of Origin is essential for businesses exporting products, as it certifies that the goods are partially or fully produced in Mongolia. Issued by the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), this document plays a key role in international trade by verifying the origin of goods for tariff benefits, trade agreements, and legal requirements.

What is a Certificate of Origin?

According to Article 6.2 of the Mongolian Law on Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the MNCCI issues certificates of origin under the “Regulation on determining the origin of export products derived from Mongolia and on issuing the certificate of origin.” This legal document is proof that goods exported from Mongolia are either entirely or partially manufactured within the country.

Types of Certificates of Origin:

The MNCCI issues several types of Certificates of Origin based on specific trade agreements, including:

  • Certificate of Origin Form A
  • Certificate of Origin Form E
  • Certificate of Origin Form APTA
  • Certificate of Origin Form B
  • Certificate of Origin Form-D

These forms are crucial in enabling products to qualify for tariff reductions or exemptions under various trade agreements, ensuring smooth international transactions.

Required Documents for Obtaining a Certificate of Origin

Entrepreneurs looking to obtain a Certificate of Origin must submit the following documents:

  1. Copy of foreign trade contract (buying/selling)
  2. Application form
  3. Invoice (English sample with Mongolian explanation)
  4. Packing list (Invoice & Packing list in Russian/English)
  5. Copy of Incorporation Certificate (individuals provide a copy of their identity card)
  6. Document detailing product composition (if raw materials were imported, include the customs declaration)
  7. Copy of product license
  8. Quality conformity and hygiene certificates
  9. Additional documents may be required for certain certificates, including an additional examination.

Easy Online Submission

For added convenience, businesses can now submit their requests for certificates of origin online by uploading the necessary documents to the MNCCI’s platform. This streamlines the process, making it easier for businesses to meet their export requirements efficiently.

By obtaining a Certificate of Origin, businesses not only comply with international trade laws but also unlock tariff benefits and access to global markets.

Why It Matters

Securing a Certificate of Origin from Mongolia ensures your products are recognized internationally, facilitating smoother transactions, securing tariff advantages, and opening doors to global opportunities.

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“Mongolia’s Bold Move into Crypto: What You Need to Know About the New Cryptocurrency Law”



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In December 2021, Mongolia enacted the Virtual Property Service Providers (VPSP) Law, bringing the nation into the digital finance era by legalizing and regulating cryptocurrency trading and exchanges. With a growing interest in crypto markets, Mongolia sought to establish a robust legal framework to protect against risks such as illicit activities while promoting transparency. Under the law, crypto service providers must register with the Financial Regulatory Commission (FRC) and adhere to strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies.

The VPSP law also emphasizes investor protection, ensuring crypto platforms disclose risks comprehensively. Income from crypto trading is taxable but exempt from value-added tax, reflecting Mongolia’s intent to capitalize on the evolving digital economy. Beyond finance, Mongolia is exploring blockchain technology in governance, public services, and supply chain management, showing a commitment to innovation and national growth.

For businesses venturing into Mongolia’s crypto market, compliance with these regulations is crucial. The law, aimed at balancing global trends with national interests, represents an important step in Mongolia’s economic diversification strategy.

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New Criteria for Savings and Credit Cooperative Activity: A Comprehensive Guide to Financial Health and Risk Monitoring



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On June 5, 2024, Mongolia’s Financial Regulatory Commission passed Resolution No. 286, introducing new “Criteria for Appropriate Ratios of Savings and Credit Cooperative Operations.” This critical update requires savings and credit cooperatives to assess and mitigate risks by adhering to four essential groups of indicators:

  1. Asset Quality and Security Indicators
  2. Indicators of Efficient Financial Structure
  3. Indicators of Costs and Expenses
  4. Indicators of Ability to Quickly Execute Payments

Each group has specific methodologies designed to ensure precise evaluations. These indicators collectively measure the financial health and risk exposure of cooperatives, leading to an overall assessment that is vital for operational stability.

Quarterly Reporting Obligations

Savings and credit cooperatives must calculate these ratio indicators every quarter, submitting detailed reports to the Financial Regulatory Committee by the 10th of the month following each quarter. The reports include various appendices covering areas such as:

  • Lending and Loan Allocation
  • Deposit Interest Rate Surveys
  • Large Borrower and Affiliated Entity Loan Reports
  • Capital Contributions and Large Depositor Reports
  • Financial Structure Efficiency
  • Income and Expense Ratios
  • Payment Execution Capabilities

The goal is to ensure transparency, maintain the financial stability of the cooperative, and protect member interests.

Protecting Financial Stability

By implementing these guidelines, the Financial Regulatory Commission is aiming to safeguard the integrity of savings and credit cooperatives in Mongolia. This initiative enhances the trust and security within the country’s financial system, ensuring that cooperatives operate effectively while minimizing risks.

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How to De-Register a Company in Mongolia?



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Get ready for an exciting journey through the process of company liquidation in Mongolia! Whether it’s initiated by a decision of the shareholders or an order of the court, the process is filled with twists and turns.

If the shareholders decide to liquidate the company, the Board of Directors (or the executive body in its absence) will prepare a draft Shareholders Resolution of Liquidation. This resolution must include the appointment of a liquidation commission, authorization of its powers, a timeline for liquidation, and a procedure for distributing the company’s remaining property among shareholders after creditors’ claims are satisfied. The resolution must be approved by an overwhelming majority of shareholder votes.

Once the resolution is approved, the company must notify the relevant state registration authority in writing within three working days and attach the original decision on liquidation. The executive authority of the company will then be terminated, and the liquidation commission will take over.

The liquidation commission is responsible for publicizing the pending liquidation of the company via the media. If the company has any licenses, the commission will request that they are canceled and returned to the relevant authority. The commission must also complete several actions during the liquidation process, including officially handing in the State Registration Certificate of the company, closing the company’s bank accounts, handing over the company’s official seal to the police, and obtaining a form from the Customs Office to confirm no related taxation issues remain on behalf of the company.

The Tax authority will then examine and investigate the company’s tax records, and an auditor will be required to handle the closing financial statements. An accountant will issue the closing balance of the company. Once the Liquidation commission has submitted the required documents to the State Registration Office (SRO), the SRO will remove the legal entity from the state register. The registration body will announce publicly the deletion of the company from the State Register. It will likely take 6 months to 1 year to complete the company liquidation process.

Mongolia to Take Action to Address Corruption



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During its regular session on March 14, 2024, the Cabinet of Mongolia made a significant step forward in the fight against corruption by supporting the submission of a draft Resolution to the State Great Khural of Mongolia for approval.

The draft Resolution outlines the implementation of an Action Plan for the Implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Program. the Resolution aims to establish an effective legal framework to combat corruption and encourage public trust in government. The newly proposed resolution for implementing the national anti-corruption program is a much-needed initiative to address the misuse of power and authority.

The draft Resolution outlines 290 measures to be implemented between 2023 and 2030, aimed at achieving the 11 goals and 48 objectives of the National Anti-Corruption Program, as set out in 2023 Resolution No. 59 of the State Great Khural. The success of this program hinges on the active participation and cooperation of all stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, civil society organizations, international organizations, the media, and citizens. The anticipated outcomes of this program are promising. A yearly decline in corruption levels is expected under the plan, leading to an expanded state budget, increased public trust in public organizations, rising citizen income, and a strengthened culture of zero tolerance for corruption. Furthermore, a more robust whistle-blowing system will be established, providing a crucial avenue for reporting and addressing corrupt activities.

Official corruption is a pervasive problem in many Asian countries, undermining the rule of law, hindering economic development, and eroding public trust in institutions. Corruption takes various forms, including bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and cronyism. It affects all levels of government, from local administrations to national agencies, and can influence decision-making in areas such as business regulations, public procurement, and law enforcement.

The consequences of official corruption are far-reaching. It distorts markets, creating an uneven playing field for businesses and discouraging foreign investment. It also undermines the delivery of essential public services, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Corruption can lead to inefficiencies, waste, and misallocation of resources, further exacerbating poverty and inequality. Moreover, it can fuel social unrest and political instability, as citizens become disillusioned with their governments and demand accountability.

The root causes of official corruption in Asian countries are complex and multifaceted. Some of the key factors include weak institutions, lack of transparency and accountability, and cultural norms that tolerate or even encourage corrupt behavior. In many cases, low salaries and inadequate resources for public officials create incentives for them to engage in corrupt activities. Additionally, complex regulatory systems and opaque decision-making processes can create opportunities for corruption to thrive.

What is the Capitalization Requirement for a new Foreign-Owned Company in Mongolia?



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Our team of Mongolian lawyers regularly field questions related to Mongolia’s capitalization requirements for the establishment of a new Mongolian company.

Mongolian law requires payment of at least USD $100,000 in capitalization funds per foreign shareholder when establishing a foreign owned company in Mongolia. This means a company established by a single foreign shareholder will be required to pay-in at least $100,000, while a company established by two foreign shareholders must pay at least $200,000. This requirement is the same whether the shareholder is a foreign individual person, or a legal entity.

A frequently asked question is what are the permitted uses of these funds after the company is successfully established. The good news is that once the company has been formally registered and operations commence, the initial capitalization funds will be available for normal use by the company in connection with the company’s expenses and liabilities incurred in the course of operations. The government of Mongolia, generally does not track how these capitalization funds are used. With the right contractual arrangements in place, the new Mongolian company will even be able to remit a significant portion of the initial capital back to the foreign shareholder/s.

Prospective investors should note however that in the event the Mongolian entity encounters difficulty, it will be legally liable up to the $100,000 threshold, regardless of whether that initial payment remains on the company’s books, or has been spent or remitted abroad.

It is important to note that where the total foreign ownership of a company is lower than 25% the company will not be considered foreign owned for the purposes of Mongolian law, and the $100,000 capitalization requirement per foreign shareholder will not apply. As a result, it is common for foreign investors interested in entering Mongolia to work with a local partner holding 76% of a new Mongolian entity, while the foreign side holds only a minority 24%. In some cases this arrangement works well, while in others differences in strategy or management style between the foreign investor and the Mongolian partner may lead to disagreements. When considering a prospective joint venture of this kind, care must be taken to structure the legal documentation appropriately to best protect the foreign shareholder.

Another model we have encountered is a “Nominee Shareholder” arrangement. In this structure, the foreign investor reaches an agreement with a Mongolian national individual or company to establish and hold the equity in a Mongolian entity while acting on behalf of the foreign investor. This model can be effective and is permitted by Mongolia laws, however this structure carries significant potential risk in the event the wrong Mongolian Nominee is selected. As the Nominee Shareholder will have full control over the Mongolian company operations and management care must be taken in the selection of the Mongolian side, as well as in putting in place the appropriate legal agreements to limit the Nominee Shareholder’s authority to act and to maximize the foreign investor’s rights to recover from the Nominee.

Setting up a Company in Mongolia



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Establishing a new company in Mongolia is relatively easy, however as with any country, there are unique legal and business practices which require careful consideration and planning.

There are four steps to establishing a company in Mongolia.  Firstly, a name for the new company must be formally registered, along with sector in which the company will operate.

This can be done via filing an application for reservation of the legal entity’s name with the Legal Entity Registration Office (LERO). LERO will verify and confirm the proposed name of the new company by checking it for similarities with other previously registered corporate names. LERO will confirm the name of the new company if it is not too similar to the name of an existing legal entity. A newly confirmed name will be reserved for 10 business days.

Secondly, a bank account must be established in the name of the new company. For a new company established by one or more foreign shareholders totaling at least 25% of ownership of the Company, USD $100,000 must be deposited into the account for each foreign shareholder. This is a legal requirement and not optional.

Thirdly, the company must be formally registered with the LERO. LERO will decide whether or not to register the new company 10 working days after receiving application documentation for a foreign invested company.

The final step will be to obtain a formal company seal (stamp) for the new company. The stamp will be used to execute contracts and official documentation. After each of these steps has been completed, the new company is ready to start operations.

Our Mongolian lawyers have successfully established companies in Mongolia for a variety clients in various business sectors. We are also able to provide registered address services, document management services, accounting and payroll services, tax preparation and reporting services.

What is the difference between Salary and Remuneration?



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Under the Labor Law, an employee’s remuneration consists of base salary, additions, additional pay, vacation pay, bonuses and incentives.  

Additions are paid to certain employees depending on specialty rank or degree, abnormal working conditions or responsibilities, as well as for utilizing the employee’s high professional skills or work experience in respect of Contract employees. Additions could also include similar additions provided by law, collective agreement or internal policies. 

Additional pay includes overtime pay, pay for performing work outside the scope of one’s job duties or job position (including simultaneously or in combination with the current job), pay for substitution of another employee, and other similar additional pay stated in law, collective agreement or internal policies (work rules). In respect of Contract employees, additional pay may be paid on the basis of work results.

Bonuses and incentives are paid for the employee’s work result or contribution to the company’s achievement, which include bonuses, one-time monetary incentive for completing a certain special task, and other monetary incentives paid pursuant to law, agreement or internal policy. The remuneration does not include the following: 

      - all types of statutory benefits, including for pregnancy and maternity leave, loss of working ability, unemployment, pension etc. 

      - reimbursements; and 

      - allowance income, including for transportation, fuel, housing and meal discounts.

The remuneration structure above applies to expats employees under contracts as well.

New Law on Social Insurance Comes Into Effect January



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The General Law on Social Insurance (“GSI law”) was approved by the Mongolian Parliament on July 7, 2023, and it will take the place of the Law on Social Insurance (1994) as of January 1, 2024. The law intends to enhance the administration and structure of the social insurance and pension systems , and control late payments and report resubmissions, among other things.

In this blog we will share an overview of key changes of the GSI Law and certain amendments to recognize for businesses and employers.

Under the new Law, the following amendments were made to expand the coverage of social insurance, to move from the distribution system to a semiconducting system, to reduce future losses in the insurance fund, and to initiate actual collection of pension insurance funds.

– From 2030, the insurer will be able to spend monetary asset from initial account on education, health care and mortgage repayments;

– A certain amount of the monetary assets from the initial account will be inherited by the insurer’s legal heirs;

– The government will pay for the insurance contribution of parents who has a child under medical supervision and permanent care;

– The maximum monthly income for voluntary social insurance is equivalent to an increase of 7 times that of the minimum wage rate.

Additionally, it should be noted that the following changes were made in relation to rights and obligations of the employers and businesses.

– the social insurance contribution to pay from an employer is slightly changed. The rate of manufacturing accidents and occupational-related disease insurance was reduced to 0.5-2.5 insurance and the rate of unemployment insurance increased as 0.5;

– An employer shall have the obligation to compensate and employee for social insurance contribution if it is found that an employer has not paid the income of social insurance for a period, has hidden, reduced rates, underpaid, and wrongly dismissed by employee.

– employees who are working for another employer under employment contract in addition to their full-time principal employer or under the contract shall be insured compulsorily for only pension insurance;

– foreign entities earning a source of income from Mongolia are obliged to pay and report social insurance contribution.