Apply or Renew NBI Clearance Abroad

If you are a Filipino working or living abroad and need to apply for or renew your NBI Clearance abroad, the online system makes the process simple and convenient without requiring your physical presence in the Philippines.

Overseas applicants can complete registration and payment online, and for the mandatory physical verification, an authorized representative can handle it on your behalf.

What’s NBI Multi-Purpose Clearance?

Since October 2017, the NBI has issued only one type of clearance called NBI Multi-Purpose Clearance.
It is valid for both local and abroad purposes — no need to choose between “For Local” or “For Abroad.”

Required Documents For Overseas 

For Filipinos applying for an NBI Clearance from abroad, the following documents are required:

  • NBI Clearance Application Form (NBI Form No. 5)
  • Must be downloaded or obtained from the Philippine Embassy/Consulate
  • Must include rolled impressions (fingerprints) taken by the local police or authorized agency abroad.
  • Valid Philippine Passport
  • Photocopy of the data page (with your photo and personal details).
  • 2×2 Recent ID Photo
  • White background
  • Taken within the last 3 months.
  • Payment / Bank Draft / Postal Money Order
  • Depending on the Embassy’s instructions
  • Usually payable to: NBI or the Philippine Embassy/Consulate.
  • Authorization Letter(if someone in the Philippines will claim it for you)
  • Your signed authorization
  • Photocopy of your valid ID
  • Photocopy of the representative’s valid ID.
  • Old NBI Clearance(if applicable)
  •  For renewal purposes
  •  Photocopy + original (if sending through a representative).

Steps for Apply or Renew NBI Clearance Abroad

This complete and updated guide will walk you through the entire process — from logging in, updating your details, setting an appointment, choosing the correct branch, paying the fee, and preparing your representative in the Philippines. Just follow the steps below:

Step 1: Visit the NBI Clearance Website

Go to the official NBI Clearance website, by clicking the button below.

Once the site loads, you will see the Data Privacy Statement in English or Filipino.

  • Click AGREE
  • Then click CLOSE

2: Log In or Register to Your NBI Online Account

  1. If you already have an NBI account and want to renew your clearance, simply log in.
  2. If you cannot remember your login details, you can register again and renew using your old NBI ID number.
  3. If you have never had an NBI clearance, create a brand new account

All these methods are explained below. Follow the option that applies to you. Whether you choose to renew by logging in, registering with your old NBI ID, or creating a new account, the subsequent steps are the same for all.

Since the user already had an NBI Clearance issued in 2014, logging in with the original email and password.
Steps:

  1. Enter your email/username
  2. Enter your password
  3. Click SIGN IN

You will now be directed to your NBI dashboard where you’ll see:

  • Your name
  • Your registered photo

Options like Apply for Clearance and Edit Information

If you have an old NBI clearance, you can easily renew it by entering your NBI ID number.

  1. Choose Register and Set “Do you have an NBI clearance issued from 2014 to present?” to Yes.
  2. Click Yes, then fill in the required details:
    1. First name
    2. Surname
    3. Mobile number
    4. Birthdate
    5. Old NBI clearance number
  3. Click I’m not a robot.
  4. In the “Enter your NBI ID number” section, you will see your NBI ID number.
  5. Type your NBI ID number exactly as shown, including dashes, into the form.
  6. Click Proceed.

You’ll be redirected to the NBI clearance Dashboard. 

If you do not have an old NBI clearance, then register your NBI clearance from scratch.

  1. Choose Register and Set “Do you have an NBI clearance issued from 2014 to present?” to No.
  2. Fill Required Fields: Gender, Civil Status, Birthday, Full Name, Mobile Number, Email, Password (twice).
  3. Agree to Terms: Tick Terms & Conditions → Click I Agree → Complete CAPTCHA → Sign Up.
  4. Verify OTP: Enter the OTP sent to your mobile. Confirmation will show: “You have successfully registered with the NBI Clearance portal.”

Step 3: Check or Update Your Personal Information

If you want to edit your information, follow the instructions below. If no changes are needed, skip this step and proceed to Apply for Clearance.

  1. Click EDIT INFORMATION.
  2. Some fields are grayed out and cannot be changed:
    • First Name
    • Last Name
    • Birthday
    • Birthplace
  3. These locked details can only be corrected in person, meaning you must apply as a new applicant, not a renewal.
  4. You may update minor details such as:
    • Height
    • Weight
    • Occupation

Important Note

  • Changing your civil status (e.g., Single → Married) is considered a major change.
  • Although the dropdown is editable, NBI requires applicants with major changes to apply for a brand new NBI Clearance, not a renewal.
  1. Once everything is correct:
    • Click SAVE INFORMATION
    • Review the Profile Preview
    • Click SUBMIT

Your profile will display: “Profile successfully saved.”

Complete Your NBI Profile Information

Step 4: Apply for Clearance

  • Click Apply for Clearance on your dashboard.
  • Choose the ID you will present.
    For Filipinos abroad renewing online, the best ID to use is:
    • Passport
  • Enter your passport number → Click I AGREE

The system will notify you that your reference number will be provided after selecting a payment method.

Completing Payment and Booking

Step 5: Choose the Correct NBI Branch (VERY IMPORTANT)

When renewing from abroad, always choose:

➡ NBI MAIN CLEARANCE CENTER – UN Avenue, Manila

Why?

  • Only the main branch allows authorized representatives to claim NBI Clearance
  • Provincial or mall branches do not release NBI clearances to representatives

After selecting the branch:

  • Choose your date and time
  • Communicate with your authorized representative in the Philippines
  • Finalize the schedule
  • Screenshot the appointment details
22 1

Step 6: Choose and Complete Your Payment

Choose your preferred payment option (GCash, bank, over-the-counter, etc.).

Steps:

  1. Click GCash 
  2. Click PROCEED TO PAYMENT
  3. Your reference number will appear
  4. Screenshot the payment slip
  5. Pay using your reference number
  6. Screenshot your proof of payment

Even if the NBI website sometimes delays updating the status, as long as you have the payment receipt, you’re safe.

Step 7: Prepare Supporting Documents for Your Authorized Representative

Your representative must bring:

  • Photocopy of your selected ID (with 3 signatures)
  • Signed authorization letter
  • One (1) latest 2×2 picture with white background
  • Your old NBI Clearance (original and photocopy)
  • Their valid ID
  • A printed copy of your reference number + appointment details

Tip: Always photocopy everything for backup.

Step 8: Claiming the NBI Clearance

On the day of the appointment:

  • Your authorized representative must bring all requirements
  • Sometimes, NBI asks them to return another day, especially if you get a HIT
  • Once claimed, ask your representative to send the document through your preferred courier

Processing Time

Processing varies:

  • No Hit — Same-day or next-day release
  • With Hit — 5 to 15 working days

In the real example, the rep was told to return on another day, likely due to a hit.

Tips

  • Always use NBI Main Branch – UN Avenue if renewing from abroad
  • Always screenshot your reference number and proof of payment 
  • Make sure your representative fully understands the requirements
  • If you need to change major info (married name, birth details), apply as new applicant, not renewal

FAQs Of NBI Clearance Abroad

Yes, you can simply scan your old NBI Clearance and send it to your authorized representative via email. They can print it out and present it at the NBI office on your behalf. This allows you to complete the renewal without sending the original document.

If you lost your old NBI Clearance and you are abroad, you cannot renew your previous clearance. You must register as a new applicant on the official NBI Clearance online portal.(

No, if you are applying for an NBI Clearance abroad, you do not need to return to the Philippines for fingerprinting. Your authorized representative or the NBI-accredited embassy/consulate can handle the processing on your behalf, including biometrics if required.

  • Apply for the NBI Multi-Purpose Clearance, which is already valid for both local and abroad purposes.
  • If you are in the Philippines, apply online and go to your appointment.
  • If you are abroad, you can apply through a representative in the Philippines — just send them your scanned old NBI (if any) and your filled-out fingerprint form taken at your local police/embassy.
  • If required for embassy or visa use, you can have the clearance apostilled at DFA.

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