The NBI Clearance is one of the most important documents required for Filipinos seeking overseas employment or applying for a visa to work or migrate abroad. This police clearance certificate from the National Bureau of Investigation proves that you have no criminal record in the Philippine
Foreign countries and international employers require NBI clearance from Filipino applicants for several critical reasons:
Immigration and Security Verification
Background Check: Immigration authorities need to verify that you have no criminal history in your home country before granting entry permits or work visas.
Public Safety: Host countries want to ensure the safety and security of their citizens by screening foreign workers for criminal records.
Employment Eligibility: Many international employers require police clearance as part of their hiring due diligence, especially for positions involving trust, security, or vulnerable populations.
Legal Compliance: Immigration laws in most countries mandate police clearance certificates from all foreign nationals applying for work permits or residency.
Requirements for NBI Clearance (Overseas Employment)
Essential Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid ID | Passport (best), Driver’s License, UMID, Postal ID, etc. |
| Online Application | Completed online form with reference number |
| Payment | ₱155 fee (paid online or at payment centers) |
Recommended Documents
Philippine Passport: Strongly recommended to bring your passport for accurate name verification, especially for overseas employment applications.
Employment Contract/Visa Documents: While not required by NBI, having these helps verify your purpose and destination country.
Old NBI Clearance: If renewing, bring your previous clearance for reference.
Common Situations Requiring NBI Clearance
Overseas Employment: Working as an OFW in any country (Middle East, Asia, Europe, Americas, Oceania)
Work Visa Applications: Applying for employment visas, work permits, or professional licenses abroad
Student Visas: Some countries require NBI clearance for students, especially those working part-time
Immigration/Permanent Residency: Applying for immigrant visas, green cards, or permanent residence
Tourist Visas: Some countries require police clearance even for tourist visa applications
Family Reunification: Bringing family members to your host country
Important: For overseas employment and visa applications, you MUST get NBI Clearance. Police clearance or barangay clearance will NOT be accepted by foreign immigration authorities or international employers.
How to Apply for NBI Clearance for Overseas Employment
The application process is the same as any other NBI clearance, but you’ll select “Overseas Employment” or “Travel/Visa Application” as your purpose.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Online Registration
Visit www.nbi.gov.ph and click on “Online Application”
Step 2: Fill Out Application Form
Enter your complete personal information:
- Full name (as it appears on passport)
- Date and place of birth
- Complete address
- Contact number and email
- Physical characteristics
- Parents’ names
Step 3: Select Purpose
Choose from the purpose dropdown menu:
- “Overseas Employment” – if going abroad for work
- “Travel / Visa Application” – if applying for visa
- Some systems may have both options combined
Step 4: Choose NBI Center and Schedule
Select your preferred NBI clearance center and appointment date/time
Step 5: Pay ₱155 Fee
Complete payment online via credit/debit card, e-wallet, or at payment centers
Step 6: Print/Save Application
Print your application form or save the reference number sent via email/SMS
Step 7: Visit NBI Center
Go to your chosen NBI center on your appointment date with:
- Valid government-issued ID (original)
- Application confirmation/reference number
- Payment receipt (if applicable)
- Passport (recommended for name verification)
Step 8: Biometrics Capture
NBI staff will:
- Scan your fingerprints
- Take your photo
- Capture your signature
Step 9: Wait for Processing
If no “hit” (no name match in database): Same-day release (1-2 hours)
If “hit” (name match): 1-2 weeks for verification
Step 10: Claim Your Clearance
Return to the NBI center to claim your clearance certificate
Total Cost for Overseas Employment NBI Clearance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| NBI Clearance | ₱155 |
| DFA Red Ribbon/Apostille | ₱100 – ₱350 |
| Embassy Authentication (if needed) | Varies by embassy |
| Total (Basic) | ₱255 – ₱505+ |
Important Considerations for Overseas Workers
Name on NBI Clearance
Must Match Passport: Ensure the name on your NBI clearance exactly matches your passport. Any discrepancy can cause visa application delays or rejections.
Married Women: If you got married after your passport was issued and changed your surname, ensure consistency across all documents. Consider whether to use your maiden name or married name on the NBI clearance.
Name Order: Some countries are particular about name order (First Name, Middle Name, Last Name). Verify how your name should appear for your destination country.
Validity Period
NBI Standard Validity: NBI clearance is valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
Destination Country Requirements: Different countries have different validity requirements:
6 Months: Many countries require clearance to be issued within the last 6 months
3 Months: Some countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.) require very recent clearance (3 months or less)
1 Year: Some countries accept clearance valid up to 1 year
Recommendation: Always check your destination country’s specific requirements and obtain your NBI clearance as close to your travel/application date as possible.
Processing Time and Planning
Standard Processing Timeline
No Hit (Clear Record):
- Same day release (1-2 hours after biometrics)
- Total time: Can be done in 1 day
With Hit (Name Match):
- 1-2 weeks for verification
- Sometimes longer for complex cases
Additional Processing for Authentication
DFA Red Ribbon/Apostille:
- Walk-in: 2-3 days
- Online application: 5-7 working days
Embassy Authentication:
- Varies by embassy (1-2 weeks typical)
Pro Tip: Start your NBI clearance application at least 1 month before your planned travel or visa appointment date to account for processing and authentication time.
NBI clearance is an essential document for Filipinos seeking overseas employment or applying for visas to work abroad. The process is straightforward—online application, NBI center visit, and same-day or next-week release depending on your record status.
Remember to select “Overseas Employment” or “Travel/Visa Application” as your purpose, ensure your name matches your passport exactly, and check your destination country’s specific requirements for validity period and authentication. Allow at least one month for the entire process including DFA authentication if required.
