How to Get an NBI Clearance in Dubai & UAE

For Filipinos living and working in Dubai and across the UAE, obtaining an NBI Clearance from the Philippines is a common requirement for visa renewals, immigration applications, or other official matters.

The process involves coordination between authorities in both the UAE and the Philippines, but it is very manageable if you follow the correct steps. This guide provides a clear, up-to-date process for 2025.

The 3 Main Phases of the Process

The entire journey can be broken down into three main stages. Understanding this roadmap will make the detailed steps much clearer.

• Phase 1: In the UAE (Document Preparation & Authentication)
  • This is the part you do yourself. It involves getting your fingerprint card, having it processed by the Dubai Police/CID, and then having your documents authenticated by the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Dubai.
• Phase 2: In the Philippines (Application Processing)
  • This is handled by your authorized representative in the Philippines, who will submit your authenticated documents to the NBI Head Office in Manila.
• Phase 3: Final Authentication for UAE Use (The Apostille)
  • This is the final, crucial step where your representative takes the new NBI Clearance to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to get it Apostilled, making it legally valid in the UAE.

Phase 1: In the UAE – Preparing Your Authenticated Documents

This is the most hands-on part of the process for you.

Step 1: Visit the Philippine Consulate (PCG) in Dubai

Your first stop is the PCG in Dubai. You need to secure two forms from them:

1. NBI Form No. 5 (The Fingerprint Card).
2. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) form. This is the document you will sign to legally authorize your representative in the Philippines to act on your behalf.

Step 2: Get Fingerprinted at the Dubai Police HQ / CID

1. Take the NBI Form No. 5 you received from the consulate to the Dubai Police General Headquarters in Al Twar 1.
2. Inform them you need fingerprinting for an NBI Clearance. They will take your fingerprints directly onto the card and provide an official stamp.
3. There is a fee for this service, payable directly to the Dubai Police. Check their official channels for the current rate.

Step 3: Return to the PCG Dubai for Authentication

Once you have the police-stamped fingerprint card, return to the PCG in Dubai. You need to have two documents authenticated (consularized):

1. Your completed and stamped NBI Form No. 5.
2. Your filled-out and signed Special Power of Attorney (SPA).

You will need to pay the official consular fees for both “Authentication” and “Notarization of SPA.” Check the official PCG Dubai website for the current schedule of fees.

Phase 2: In the Philippines – Processing via Representative

For applicants in the UAE, using a representative is the most reliable method.

1. Mail Your Document Package: Send the following items to your trusted representative in the Philippines via a reliable courier:
   • The authenticated NBI Form No. 5.
   • The authenticated Special Power of Attorney (SPA).
   • One 2×2 recent photograph with a white background.
   • A clear photocopy of your passport’s data page.
2. Representative’s Tasks: Your representative will then:
   • Register your details on the NBI portal to get a reference number.
   • Pay the ₱155 NBI fee online or at a payment center.
   • Go to the NBI Main Office in Manila on the scheduled appointment date to submit all your documents.
   • Return to the NBI on the specified claim date to pick up your new NBI Clearance certificate.

Phase 3: The Final, Crucial Step – Getting an Apostille

Your task is not yet complete. An NBI Clearance is a Philippine document; to make it legally recognized in the UAE, it must be Apostilled.

• What is an Apostille? An Apostille is a certificate issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines that authenticates the origin of a public document.
• Why is it Essential for UAE? The UAE government and other official bodies will not accept your NBI Clearance for visa renewals or other legal matters without an Apostille.
• How to Get It: After your representative claims the new NBI Clearance, they must then take it to a DFA office to apply for an Apostille. Once this is done, they can finally mail the fully authenticated document to you in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Getting your NBI Clearance from the UAE involves multiple steps across two countries, but it is a well-established procedure. By following this 3-phase process, you can navigate it successfully. Remember, the key steps are getting your documents properly authenticated at the PCG Dubai and ensuring your representative completes the final, crucial step: getting the Apostille from the DFA.