How to Get NBI Clearance for Abroad: Step-by-Step Guide

NBI clearance is a key requirement for Filipinos applying for jobs, visas, or studying abroad. Foreigners may also need NBI clearance when applying for work, a visa or school in the Philippines.³

Whether it’s your first time applying or you need to renew your clearance, this guide will walk you through how to get NBI clearance for abroad, including the requirements, fees and a step-by-step application process for applicants in the Philippines and out of the country.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

What is an NBI clearance?

An NBI clearance is an official document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) that certifies whether you have a criminal record in the Philippines.

Locally, it’s used for employment, licences for regulated professions such as real estate brokers,⁴ government transactions, loans, certain study programs, and business permits.⁵

Abroad, NBI clearance is often needed for visa applications, permanent residency or citizenship processing, overseas employment or studying in another country.⁶

NBI clearance for abroad requirements

If you’re wondering how to get NBI clearance for abroad, here are the documents you’ll need:

• Two valid government-issued IDs (e.g. passport, UMID)
• Printed NBI clearance for abroad online application form
• E-payment receipt (if you paid online)

The NBI will take your pictures and fingerprints during your NBI clearance appointment, but if you’re applying from abroad, you may need to provide two coloured ID photos with a white background and fingerprint impressions yourself.⁷

If you’re applying for NBI clearance under the First Time Jobseeker Act, you’ll need a Barangay Certification confirming at least 6 months of residency.⁸

How to get NBI clearance for abroad

Follow these steps to apply from within the Philippines⁵

1. Go to the official NBI clearance website and create an account. You’ll need to provide details like your full name, gender and civil status
2. Enter the one-time password (OTP) you received at your mobile number to complete the registration
3. Log in and fill out the NBI clearance for abroad online application form
4. Schedule an appointment at your nearest NBI branch
5. Pay the 25 PHP service fee and 130 PHP processing fee online or wait until your appointment to pay in person
6. Bring a printed copy of your NBI clearance for abroad online application form, two government-issued IDs and a payment receipt to your appointment
7. Get your photograph and fingerprints taken
8. Verify the details in your application with the quality control interviewer

What happens next?

• No HIT: If there is no HIT (no criminal record found), you’ll receive your printed NBI clearance on the spot.
• With HIT: If your application comes back with a HIT, you’ll receive a date to return so NBI can review your application.

Your application can show a hit for a number of reasons, such as sharing a name with someone else in the system, past legal cases in your records or administrative errors.⁹

How to apply for NBI clearance abroad

If you’re outside the Philippines, you have two options:

Option 1: Apply through a Philippine embassy or consulate

1. Find a Philippine embassy or consulate near you; most major cities have one.

2. Request an NBI Form 5 and fill it out with details like your name, date of birth and reason for applying for NBI clearance.

3. Provide two colored ID photos with a white background and have your fingerprint impressions taken. The embassy may be able to do this for a fee, or you can visit a local police station or accredited fingerprinting agency.

4. Send your NBI Form 5, coloured photos, fingerprint impressions, copies of 2 government-issued IDs and 200 PHP or its USD equivalent (130 PHP for the application fee and 70 PHP for mailing costs) to the following address:

   MAILED CLEARANCE Section
   3rd Floor, NBI Clearance Building
   UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila, Philippines 1000

Option 2: Apply through a representative in the Philippines

Steps 1-3 are the same, but instead of sending your documents directly to the NBI Clearance Building, you can send them to an authorized representative.

1. Write a notarized Special Power of Attorney, authorising someone you trust in the Philippines to process your NBI clearance on your behalf.
2. Your authorized representative will take all the documents you sent to an NBI branch.
3. Your representative will pay the fee, or you can do so through a payment channel like Bayad Center.
4. Once your clearance is processed, the NBI will release it to your representative, who can then mail it to you abroad.

NBI clearance for travel abroad: Fees and processing time

Here’s what to expect:⁵

• NBI service fee: 25 PHP
• NBI clearance fee: 130
• Embassy mailing fee: 70 PHP
• Processing time: Can be processed on the same day if there’s no HIT. If there’s a HIT, you may be asked to return after 8 to 10 business days.
• Validity: 1 year

Tips and next steps after getting your NBI clearance

Before and after you apply, a few simple steps can help you avoid delays and move forward faster:

• Check your details carefully
  Small errors in your name or birthdate can cause a “HIT” or processing delays

• Prepare complete, valid documents
  Missing or expired IDs may mean you’ll need to reschedule

• Apply early if you’re abroad
  Mailing documents and verification can take several weeks

• Expect extra time for HIT cases
  Name matches or record checks can delay release by 8–10 working days or more

• Know your next step
  You may need to submit your clearance for visa applications, jobs, or have it apostilled depending on your destination

If you’re handling applications overseas, you might also need to pay fees or send money internationally, choosing the right provider can help you avoid unnecessary costs.

Move money between countries with low fees and the mid-market rate: Wise

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Sources used:

1. Republic of Philippines Department of Justice: NBI Clearance
2. NBI Clearance for Abroad
3. NBI Clearance for Foreigners
4. Registration Guidelines and Requirements for a Broker
5. Philippines NBI Clearance Online Application and Renewal
6. How to get a police certificate - Philippines
7. Ottawa Embassy of the Philippines: NBI Clearance
8. NBI Clearance First Time Job Seekers
9. NBI Clearance Hit Status
10. NBI Clearance - Mailed Clearance