How to Get an NBI Clearance While Abroad?

Many Filipinos who are live or work abroad still need an NBI Clearance for jobs, visas, immigration or other legal needs. But if you are outside the Philippines you might ask: Can I still get an NBI Clearance without going home?

The good news is yes you can still apply for an NBI Clearance even if you are abroad. In this guide, we will explain the step-by-step process, requirements and important reminders on how to get your NBI Clearance While Abroad?

Why Filipinos Abroad Need NBI Clearance

The NBI Clearance is an official paper from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines. It proves that a person has no criminal cases. For Filipinos living or working abroad this clearance is often needed for:

• Applying for overseas jobs

• Renewing work permits or residency papers

• Visa applications (Canada, U.S., Australia, etc.)

• Immigration or travel purposes

• Personal records or background checks

Basically, if you are living outside the Philippines and doing anything that involves background checks, you will need this clearance.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply?

NBI Clearance for aboard documentation is different from Local NBI Clearance. Here we provide a list of requirements of NBI Clearance for abroad:

• 1. NBI Clearance Application Form (Fingerprint Card Form No. 5): You can usually get this at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live.

  2. Valid Passport (original and photocopy): This is needed to check your identity.

  3. Two recent passport-size photos with a white background.

  4. Proof of courier payment (if you are sending your documents by delivery service).

These are the important documents you need to apply for NBI Clearance from abroad.

Step-by-Step Process to Get NBI Clearance Abroad

NBI clearance while abroad is not difficult. Just follow these steps to get your clearance.

Step 1: Visit the Philippine Embassy

Since NBI Clearance needs your biometrics you must have your fingerprints taken on the NBI Form No. 5.

• Go to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate nearest to you.

• Ask for fingerprinting services.

• The Embassy staff or authorized police officers abroad will take your fingerprints.

• They will then sign and stamp the form to make it official.

Step 2: Fill the Forms No.5

You need to fill out NBI Form No. 5. On the form, you fill in your basic information, such as your name, address, date of birth and other details.

Step 3: Get Your Fingerprints Taken

You need to take your fingerprints on your fingerprint card. You can also do this at the Philippine Embassy or your local police station.

Step 4: Send Your Documents to the NBI Office in the Philippines

After you finish your fingerprinting, you need to send your documents to the Philippines.

Mail or courier them (like DHL or FedEx) to:
NBI Clearance Office – International Section
National Bureau of Investigation
Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila, Philippines

Include the following:

• Filled-out Form No. 5 with fingerprints

• Photocopy of passport (bio page + latest entry stamp)

• Passport-size photos

• Authorization letter (if someone in the Philippines will claim it for you)

• Payment (can be settled through your representative in the Philippines)

Step 5: Wait for the Processing and Delivery

After NBI receives your documents, they will process your NBI clearance. it takes 3 to 5 weeks. Once it is ready, it will be delivered to your given address.

Step 6: Getting Your NBI Clearance Abroad

If you chose courier delivery the time it takes to receive your NBI Clearance will depend on the country where you live.

Some Filipinos also ask their relatives in Manila to pick up the clearance and then send it to them through DHL, FedEx, or LBC International.

How Much Does NBI Cost Overseas and How much time Does It Take?

The NBI Clearance Fee for overseas is PHP 200 to PHP 400. If you use any courier to send your documents, The courier fee will be additional. It is from PHP 1,000 to PHP 2,500, depending on the service you choose.

The NBI Clearance process takes 3 to 5 weeks from when the NBI receives your documents.

What If You Can’t Go to the Embassy?

You can always have someone in the Philippines who apply for the clearance on your behalf. The steps are given below:

1. You must Prepare the Special Power of Attorney (SPA) document to authorize someone in the Philippines.
2. Send all your required documents to them, like a copy of your passport and the completed NBI Form No. 5.
3. Your representative submits everything to the NBI office for processing.

FAQs

Can I renew my NBI clearance online while I am abroad?

No you cannot apply online if you are in abroad You need to sending documents physical.

What if I have a “hit” on my NBI clearance?

A “hit” means your name might be matched with someone in their criminal database.

How often should I renew my NBI clearance?

An NBI clearance is usually valid for one year. After a year, you need to renew your NBI clearance.

How to report a scammer in NBI?

Here are some important NBI contact details:

• Anti-Fraud Division – Email: afad@nbi.gov.ph / Phone: (02) 8523-8231 to 38, local 3529 or 3456

• Cyber Crime Division – Email: ccd@nbi.gov.ph / Phone: (02) 8523-8231 to 38, local 3455 or (02) 8252-6228

• Complaint Division – Phone: (02) 8523-8231 to 38, local 3518

You can contact them by email or phone if you need help with fraud, cybercrime, or filing a complaint.

Can I get NBI clearance without appearance?

Final Thoughts

Getting an NBI clearance while you are abroad is not difficult; you need to follow the steps we gave in this article for clearance. You need someone who submits your NBI Documents on your behalf. The person needs a SPA document to submit your documents.