One requirement for getting a job or even staying abroad is an NBI Clearance. Getting an NBI Clearance proves that you don't have a criminal liability or charges in the Philippines. Unlike Police Clearance that's only good for a town or a region, the NBI Clearance is throughout the country. Here's how to get an NBI Clearance in the Philippines and Abroad.

No need to go early to the NBI office to queue; you can go during your appointment with an online application. It's pretty fast compared to what I have experienced for the first time as the queues were long, and missed lunch. Check out our instructions on getting your NBI Clearance

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Requirements You Will need for an NBI Clearance in the Philippines

1. 2 Valid Government-Issued IDs

UMID - Unified Multi-purpose ID (SSS and GSIS)
Passport
Philhealth
Voter's ID or Certificate of Registration
BIR
PRC License
Birth Certificate – PSA Authenticated
PAG-IBIG ID (not the Loyalty Card)
Postal ID
Certification from the Local Civil Registrar
Certification from Malacañang in connection with indigenous groups, tribal membership, a foundling
Solo Parent ID
Company ID – Government Employees
Police Clearance where the applicant is a resident of the station's jurisdiction
Marina
Seaman's Book and SIRV
School ID with current registration card
Senior Citizen ID
Marina

Please take note that any non-government issued ID like the Barangay Clearance and a Company ID (except for government employees) are not anymore accepted.

2. Barangay Certificate – for first-time job applicants

3. NBI Clearance Application Form Reference Number - you can get it online

How to Register at the NBI Clearance Website

STEP 1: Register on this website: https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph.

STEP 2: Click "Register New Account." If you have had an old NBI Clearance since 2014, Choose yes, if not, then no.

STEP 3: Type the details asked.

If you answer "Yes," this form will be what you will see. If "No," then your old NBI number will be asked.

Sign up after you have reviewed the details.

In case you don't have a middle name, please write MNU (unknown) or Not applicable. And if you have Ñ, just put N but correct it during your appointment.

STEP 4: You can now log-in using the email address and password you have used on step 3.

STEP 5: On the screen, look for "Edit Information." Enter the information asked. Review it before saving the data.

How to Apply for an NBI Clearance Online and getting an Appointment

STEP 1: Look for "Apply For Clearance" and click it. It's near "Edit Information."

STEP 2: Choose which type of ID you have and enter the ID Number. Click Agree.

STEP 3: Choose an NBI branch where you can go and select a vacant slot.

STEP 4: Select how to pay (though I suggest doing it online like Online Banking, Visa Master Card, or GCash). The cost will be PHP 130, but there will be an additional PHP 25 for the service.

Double-check your schedule first, and your personal details.

STEP 5: You will be given instructions on how to pay. Follow them.

For GCash, you will have to scan the QR Code or type the reference number.

STEP 6: Go to transactions, and you can see if your application is still pending or is already paid.

How to Get NBI Clearance Online 04.5.png

STEP 7: Click details, and you can check out your application form and review it. Take note of those so errors so you could ask the officer to change it, especially the Ñ.

No need to have a printed application form as you will only need a reference number.

What to do during your NBI Clearance Appointment in the Philippines

Bring the requirements stated above
Avoid wearing slippers or shorts, sleeveless or spaghetti clothes, etc. as you are going to a government office.
Please also don't wear jewelry or colored contacts as you will be taking a picture.

Steps to get an NBI Clearance in the Philippines

STEP 1: Go to the officer and hand in your reference number.

STEP 2: Get your picture taken as well as well as your fingerprints.

STEP 3: The officer will ask you to check your details, so do so if you have any corrections.

In case you are 'hit,' as you may have the same name as someone charged with a crime, you have to return on another date stated by the officer. If not, then go to step 4.

STEP 4: Go to the printing sections and wait for your NBI Clearance to be printed.

Requirement Needed for an NBI Clearance Abroad

Valid Passport
Photocopy of Bio-page
2x2 Colored Photo – taken within the last 3 months
Reference Number
Payment of Fees

Steps to get an NBI Clearance Abroad

STEP 1: Register at this website: clearance.nbi.gov.ph until you will have your own reference number for data purposes. You can check the instructions above.

STEP 2: Go to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. Get an NBI Clearance Application Form No.5.

STEP 3: Completely fill-up the form. You will need to have an officer assist you in the rolled impressions of your fingerprints. They will need to sign the form. There might be consular service fees for this.

STEP 4: Prepare a money order or bank draft payable to "NBI Director." If you don't have it, cash of PHP 215 is accepted.

The clearance fee is PHP 130, and PHP 85 is used to send the clearance certificate to the applicant

STEP 5: Go to a post office and submit all the requirements to:

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

STEP 6: Wait for your NBI Clearance to be sent to you.

Frequently Asked Questions for an NBI Clearance

1. What does it mean if I am "HIT?"

If you are "HIT," then there might be someone with the same name as yours who was charged with a criminal case.

2. I got HIT, how many days should I wait before my NBI clearance can be claimed?

The personnel will tell you when you could get back. Usually, it could be 10 days. If you are not free on that day, you can visit the branch within the week or the next.

You can let another person claim it, however, prepare an Authorization letter.

3. I had an emergency and missed my schedule. Should I pay or apply again?

You can go to the branch as soon as possible. However, your application should still be valid. You can check it on the form.

4. Can I give my slot to another person?

No, you can't. The other person must have scheduled their own.

5. Can someone else apply for NBI Clearance me?

No, your fingerprints and picture need to be taken.

6. I have errors in my payment; what should I do?

You can contact NBI; there's a "Contact US" form on their website.

That's how you can get an NBI Clearance in the Philippines and Abroad. It's beneficial for your requirements you are applying for. It's swift compared to what I have experienced years before (waking up early morning and lining for hours). Good luck!

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 fell in love with the journey since. 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.