A Guide to Getting & Renewing NBI Clearance
In the Philippines, a document from the National Bureau of Investigations (NBI), called the NBI Clearance, is usually required by employers. It serves as a proof of a criminal record or the lack thereof. Expats can also apply and renew their NBI clearances; however, you can only do so at the NBI Main Office on UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila.
In 2017, the NBI updated their system to be fully digital. From the online application and payment to the fingerprint scan, the system has become much faster for both expats and locals. Along with the system upgrade came an updated process. Here are the things you need to know before you apply for or renew your NBI Clearance.
Requirements
Before applying online, you will need to present two (2) original valid IDs and photocopies. They must be in good condition.
The accepted IDs are:
- Passport
- Voter’s ID
- Driver’s License
- PRC License
- SSS ID
- GSIS UMID
- Postal ID
- School ID
- TIN ID
- PhilHealth ID
- Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR)
- Senior Citizen ID
- Previous Copy of NBI Clearance
Along with the two IDs, you will also need to bring the printed NBI form with Reference Number (accessible online after payment) and the receipt of payment.
Fee
The basic NBI Clearance for local employment requirement is only Php 130. Fees may vary depending on the purpose of the clearance.
Online Application
Go to the NBI Clearance Online Service site: www.nbi.clearance.com. Fill out the “REGISTER AS NEW ACCOUNT” section if you haven’t signed up for an account. The form will change depending on your answer to the first question, DO YOU HAVE AN OLD NBI CLEARANCE? For renewal, you will need to input your old NBI number. If you forgot or lost it, you just need to apply for a new account.
Check the I ACCEPT TERMS OF SERVICE, click ACCEPT and finally SIGN UP. The form will reset and you now can enter your e-mail and password on the SIGN IN bar on the top right of the page and click SIGN IN.
The form below will come out and should be filled out honestly. When you have finished, click SAVE INFORMATION
The final information will come up, and then click APPLY FOR CLEARANCE on the right-hand side of the page. After which, this confirmation pop-up will ask for an ID. Type the kind of IDs you will be using. An example would be “Passport and ACR.”
After you click I AGREE, you will be taken to the schedule and payment page. Expats are only allowed to process NBI clearance at the NBI branch, NBI CLEARANCE MAIN OFFICE, which is in NBI Building, Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila. Choose your date, schedule time (a.m. or p.m.), and payment option.
Here, you can also choose the purpose of the clearance, whether LOCAL or ABROAD. For local job requirement, select LOCAL. The price of the NBI Clearance may vary depending on the purpose.
Payment options include Bank over the Counter, Online Banking, Bayad Center, MultiPay, EC Pay, and 7-Eleven.
Use the reference number when paying the fee. Keep your receipt that will also have the reference number printed out.
Once again, you will want to go back to the website, sign in, and click on TRANSACTIONS. Your schedule should now say PAID. Click on PRINT APPLICATION FORM and bring it on your appointment.
On-site Pick-up
After all that, you will only need to show up at the NBI office for a photo, signature, and fingerprint scan before having your clearance printed.
Look for the Alien Registration Office to be processed. You should get your printed NBI clearance on the same day.
Reminders
- Expats can only be processed at the NBI Main Office at NBI Building, Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila
- Observe proper dress code. Avoid wearing sleeveless, shorts, slippers to prevent rejection
- Courtesy lanes are provided for Senior Citizens, Pregnant Women, Nursing Mother, and Persons with Disability
- Authorization Letter should be provided if someone else will claim the clearance
Sources: NBI Clearance, British in the Philippines
