How to Get an NBI Clearance Abroad: The Complete 2025 Guide

For Filipinos living and working overseas, securing an NBI Clearance can seem like a major hurdle. How can you complete a process that requires a personal appearance when you’re in another country?

Fortunately, it’s entirely possible. This guide breaks down the entire process into simple, manageable phases, ensuring you can get the document you need for your visa, residency, or employment requirements abroad.

Overview: The 3 Phases of Getting an NBI Clearance from Abroad

Think of the entire process in three main stages. Understanding this roadmap will make the detailed steps much clearer.

• Phase 1: Document Preparation (In Your Host Country)
  • This involves getting your fingerprint card (NBI Form No. 5) and having it authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
• Phase 2: Application Processing (In the Philippines)
  • This involves sending your authenticated documents to the NBI Head Office in Manila to be processed. You have two options for this: using a representative or mailing directly.
• Phase 3: Final Authentication for Overseas Use (The Apostille)
  • This is the final, crucial step where your new NBI Clearance is authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to make it legally valid in your host country.

Phase 1: In Your Host Country (Preparing Your Documents)

This is the part of the process you must complete yourself.

Step 1: Get NBI Form No. 5

Contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate nearest you to obtain NBI Form No. 5, also known as the Fingerprint Card.

Step 2: Get Your Fingerprints Taken

You can usually have your fingerprints rolled onto the card at the Embassy/Consulate itself. Alternatively, they may instruct you to have it done at a local police station. If done by a local officer, ensure they sign the form and provide their name and official designation.

Step 3: Have the Form Authenticated (Consularized)

The Philippine Embassy/Consulate must place their official seal and ribbon on your completed NBI Form No. 5. This “consularization” or authentication verifies that the fingerprinting was done properly. There will be a fee for this service.

Step 4: Gather Other Requirements

You will also need:

• One (1) recent 2×2 photograph with a white background.
• A clear photocopy of your Philippine Passport’s data page.

Phase 2: In the Philippines (Processing Your Application)

Once you have your authenticated documents from Phase 1, you need to get them to the NBI Head Office in Manila. You have two choices:

Method	Speed	Reliability	Effort Required
Option A: With a Representative	Faster(Weeks)	High. Your representative can follow up and ensure documents are received.	Low for you; you just need to mail the documents to your representative.
Option B: Direct Mail to NBI	Slower(Months)	Moderate. Risk of international mail loss; no one to follow up.	High for you; you need to secure a special bank draft for payment.

Option A: Using a Representative in the Philippines (Recommended)

1. Prepare an Authorization Letter that gives your trusted friend or relative permission to process your NBI Clearance on your behalf.
2. Mail your complete document package to your representative. This package should include:
   • The authenticated NBI Form No. 5.
   • The signed Authorization Letter.
   • Your 2×2 photo.
   • The photocopy of your passport.
3. Your representative will then go to the NBI Main Office in Manila, submit your documents, pay the ₱130 fee, and be given a date to return and claim your printed clearance.

Option B: Mailing Directly to the NBI

1. Go to a bank that can issue a bank draft or money order for ₱200.00 (this amount covers the fee and return postage) payable to the “Director, National Bureau of Investigation.”
2. Mail your complete document package (authenticated Form No. 5, photo, passport copy, and the ₱200 bank draft) to:Mailed Clearance Section 3rd Floor, NBI Clearance Building U.N. Avenue, Ermita, Manila 1000 Philippines
3. The NBI will process your application and mail the clearance back to your international address.

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

An NBI Clearance is a Philippine document. For it to be accepted as a legal document by a foreign government, it must be authenticated with an Apostille.

• What is an Apostille? It is a special certificate issued by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that makes your NBI Clearance legally valid and recognized internationally.
• How to Get It: After your NBI Clearance is released (either to your representative or mailed back to them), your representative must take it to a DFA office in the Philippines to apply for an Apostille.
• Result: Once Apostilled, your representative can then mail the final, authenticated NBI Clearance to you. You now have a document ready for official use abroad.

New Application vs. Renewal: What’s the Real Difference?

For applicants abroad, the process is almost identical. The only difference is the primary document you need to have authenticated in Phase 1.

• For a New Application: You must use the NBI Form No. 5 and have your fingerprints taken.
• For a Renewal: If you have a copy of your old NBI Clearance (issued after 2014), you can have thatauthenticated at the Embassy instead of getting a new fingerprint card. This can be simpler.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Securing your NBI Clearance from abroad is a multi-step process, but it is very manageable if you follow these phases. Remember that the Apostille is essential for making your document useful overseas. Plan ahead, choose the pathway that works best for you, and you can successfully get the clearance you need.