Are you a Filipino who currently needs an NBI Clearance from the Philippines? Are you a foreigner who lived in the Philippines before and is asked for an NBI Clearance? Here’s a guide on how you can get an NBI Clearance Abroad (or at the country, you are currently in.)

An NBI Clearance is a crucial document, it might confirm that you have no criminal offenses or pending cases in the Philippines. If you are in the Philippines, it’s quite easy to get one. However, if you are abroad, the process is a bit of a hassle. Read more below!

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Requirements For An NBI Clearance From Abroad

1. NBI Clearance Application Form (Form No. 5) – ask a copy from the nearest Philippine Embassy. Your representative can also ask this from the Mailed Clearance Section at the NBI Main Office.

For married women, this is the order:

Maiden Surname
Husband’s Surname
First or Given Name
Mother’s Surname

So if you are Maria Cruz Santos when you were single and married Mr. Juan Quezon - it will be Santos Quezon Maria Cruz.

2. Validated Fingerprints – this can be done at the nearest Philippine Embassy for an additional fee.

However, if it’s too far, you can ask the Philippine Embassy for an alternative – like getting your rolled impressions from a local police station which the officer then signs. You might be asked to get it translated to English and Apostilled before submitting it. Some police stations don’t accept this service, so it’s better to ask for advice from the Embassy first.

3. Copy of Applicant’s Passport

4. 2x2 Photo – recently taken

Requirements For An NBI Clearance Renewal From Abroad

If you have an NBI Clearance from 2014 onwards, you don’t need a new Fingerprint Card, provided there are no changes from your previous one.

1. Latest NBI Clearance Certificate

2. 2x2 Photograph

3. Passport Copy

P.S. You will no longer need to register online as they will check your previous NBI for your online profile

Additional Requirements For Those Who Have An Authorized Representative In The Philippines (First time or Renewal)

In case you contact someone from the Philippines to process your NBI Clearance for you.

1. Special Power of Attorney – authorizing your representative to apply for an NBI Clearance on your behalf. SPA can be done at the nearest Philippine Embassy. If you can not execute an SPA in a law office near you, but this must be translated to English and Apostilled.

2. Valid ID - other than the passport

NBI Officer In-Charge

MS. SANDRA P. SOBIDA
Mailed Clearance Section
3rd Floor, NBI Clearance Building
UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Trunkline number: +63 2 523 8231 local 5465
Mobile numbers: + 63 915 689 3113 and +63 920 122 3327
Email address: spsobida@gmail.com or mailedclearance@nbi.gov.ph

Steps To Get An NBI Clearance Abroad With An Authorized Representative

STEP 1: Gather all your requirements, especially the SPA.

You will also need to register on NBI’s website to have a profile and reference number.

STEP 2: Mail your documents to your authorized representative. You can also e-mail in advance the NBI Mailed Clearance Section - spsobida@gmail.com or mailedclearance@nbi.gov.ph.

STEP 3: Let your representative contact the Mailed Clearance Section for an appointment or instructions if your representative passes in another province.

STEP 4: Your representative needs to go to NBI to pass your documents. If you have not yet paid the clearance of PHP 130, they can pay it in cash. There is also a PHP 70 courier fee.

STEP 5: The officer will verify the documents. Wait for a maximum of 5 days before the clearance is available.

STEP 6: Let your representative Claim your NBI Clearance. S/he will need your SPA, a copy of your passport/ID, and a receipt.

Please let them check the dry seal on the lower-left portion.

STEP 7: Have your NBI Clearance mailed to you.

Once you receive it, put a thumbprint on the space provided. You can ask for help from the local police.

Steps To Get An NBI Clearance Abroad Without An Authorized Representative

STEP 1: Gather all your requirements. You will also need to register on NBI’s website to have a profile and reference number.

STEP 2: Prepare a money order or bank draft payable to "NBI Director" amounting to PHP 200.

STEP 3: Go to a post office and submit all the requirements to:

The Officer-in-Charge or Ms. Sandra P. Sobida
Mailed Clearance Section
3rd Floor, NBI Clearance Bldg.
UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Contact Number 523-8231 loc 5465

You can also e-mail in advance the NBI Mailed Clearance Section - spsobida@gmail.com or mailedclearance@nbi.gov.ph.Processing time may take 5 days upon receipt of documents.

STEP 4: Wait for your NBI Clearance to be sent to you.

Once you receive it, put a thumbprint on the space provided. You can ask for help from the local police.

That’s how you can get an NBI Clearance Abroad for Filipinos. The consular fees may vary in every Embassy. If you have not gone abroad yet, I suggest getting an NBI Clearance in the Philippines first so that it’s not too complicated when you are abroad. In case you have no choice, I that this guide is helpful.

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and I fell in love with the experience. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.