Updated: August 2026

Foreign nationals living, working, studying, doing business, or completing immigration-related requirements in the Philippines may sometimes be asked to obtain an NBI Clearance.

The National Bureau of Investigation’s current public guidance does not publish a separate, detailed checklist exclusively for foreign nationals applying inside the Philippines. Instead, the general NBI Clearance process applies to the public, with applicants required to present valid government-issued identification.

This guide explains what foreigners should prepare, how the online application works, what to bring to the NBI branch, and which parts of the process should be confirmed directly with the NBI before your visit.

Can Foreigners Get an NBI Clearance in the Philippines?

Yes.

The NBI Clearance service is available to the general public, and the NBI’s Citizen’s Charter does not limit the standard clearance service to Filipino citizens.

Foreign nationals may need an NBI Clearance for purposes such as:

Employment
Visa or immigration-related transactions
Business or professional requirements
Residency-related documentation
Other legal or administrative purposes

The exact reason for obtaining the clearance may affect which supporting documents another government agency or employer asks you to submit.

NBI Clearance Requirements for Foreigners

The NBI’s standard clearance requirement is:

Two Valid Government-Issued IDs

The NBI Citizen’s Charter requires applicants to present two valid identification cards issued by the government.

The NBI’s current application guide lists examples that include:

Passport
Driver’s License
National ID
UMID
Postal ID
PSA Birth Certificate

For a foreign national, a valid passport is the most obvious primary identification document because it is specifically included in the NBI’s current list of accepted ID examples.

Should Foreigners Bring an ACR I-Card?

If you hold a valid ACR I-Card, bringing it to your NBI appointment is a sensible precaution.

However, as of August 2026, the NBI’s publicly available general application pages do not clearly state that an ACR I-Card is universally required for every foreign national applying for NBI Clearance.

Because foreign-national documentation may vary depending on immigration status, visa type, and the NBI branch handling the application, it is best to confirm the current requirement with the NBI before your visit.

If you have the following documents available, consider bringing them:

Valid passport
ACR I-Card, if applicable
Current visa or immigration document
Other Philippine government-issued identification, if you have one
Your NBI reference number
Proof of payment

Bring original documents whenever possible.

Step 1: Register on the Official NBI Clearance Website

Start at the official NBI Clearance application portal:

https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph

The NBI instructs applicants to register or log in through its official online portal.

You will need an active:

Email address
Mobile number

The registration process may require an OTP verification.

Step 2: Complete Your Personal Information

After creating your account, complete the Applicant Information Form.

Enter your information exactly as it appears on your passport and other legal documents.

Pay special attention to:

Full legal name
Middle name, if applicable
Date of birth
Nationality
Civil status
Philippine address
Passport details
Suffixes or multiple surnames

The NBI advises applicants to make sure their online information matches their valid identification documents.

For foreigners, this is especially important because names may be formatted differently across passports, visas, and Philippine records.

Step 3: Apply for Clearance

Once your profile is complete, select:

Apply for Clearance

The system will ask you to identify the valid government ID you plan to present at the branch.

If your passport is listed as an available option, select it.

If the system does not clearly accommodate your foreign-issued documents, contact the NBI before completing the transaction rather than entering inaccurate information.

Step 4: Choose an NBI Branch and Appointment

Select the NBI branch that is most convenient for you.

You will also choose an available schedule.

The NBI operates multiple clearance centers throughout Metro Manila and the provinces.

The official NBI office locator is available through the NBI website, and applicants are advised to complete the online application and payment before visiting a clearance office.

Step 5: Pay the NBI Clearance Fee

The basic NBI Clearance fee is:

₱130

An additional e-payment service charge of around ₱25 to ₱30 is usually added, depending on the payment channel you choose.

Estimated Total Payment

₱155 to ₱160

For example:

NBI Clearance Fee: ₱130
E-payment Service Charge: approximately ₱25–₱30
Estimated Total: ₱155–₱160

The NBI’s current application guide lists the basic clearance fee at ₱130 and notes that a small e-payment service charge is added.

Available payment methods may include:

GCash
Maya
7-Eleven
Bayad Center
Online banking

The exact service charge can vary depending on the payment method, so always check the final amount displayed on the NBI payment screen before confirming your transaction.

After payment, save your receipt or take a screenshot of the confirmation page.

Step 6: Save Your Reference Number

After choosing your payment method, the system generates a reference number.

Save it carefully.

You can:

Take a screenshot
Save the confirmation email
Print the reference number
Keep your payment receipt

The NBI requires applicants to bring their printed or digital reference number or QR code and proof of payment to the branch.

Step 7: Visit the NBI Branch

For a foreign national, it is a good idea to bring more documents than the minimum.

Prepare:

Valid passport
A second acceptable government-issued ID
ACR I-Card, if you have one
Current visa or immigration documentation, if applicable
NBI reference number
Proof of payment
Appointment details

The NBI’s official requirement for the standard application is two valid government-issued IDs.

Because the NBI’s current public website does not provide a separate universal foreign-national checklist, applicants with unusual visa or residency situations should confirm their documents before visiting.

Step 8: Biometrics, Photo and Signature

At the NBI branch, your:

Photograph
Fingerprints
Electronic signature

will be captured.

The NBI Citizen’s Charter lists biometric and image capture as part of the clearance process.

You will also be asked to verify the personal information shown on the system before printing.

Check your name carefully.

Foreign names sometimes contain:

Multiple surnames
Hyphens
Middle names not commonly used in the Philippines
Different ordering of family and given names

Make sure the printed clearance matches your official passport.

What Happens If a Foreigner Gets a HIT?

The NBI system checks applicant information against its records.

If there is no issue requiring additional verification, the clearance can proceed to printing.

If your application receives a HIT, the NBI may ask you to return after further verification.

The NBI’s current application guide says applicants with a HIT may be asked to return after approximately 5 to 10 working days.

A HIT does not automatically mean that you have a criminal record.

It can simply mean that your name or personal information requires additional verification.

How Long Does NBI Clearance Take for Foreigners?

There is no separate processing time published by the NBI for all foreign nationals.

For the standard NBI Clearance process, biometric capture and printing are relatively short once the applicant reaches the processing area.

Actual total time will depend on:

Number of applicants
Branch
Document verification
Whether your application receives a HIT
Whether additional foreign-national documentation needs to be reviewed

If your immigration status or identification documents are unusual, allow extra time.

Can Foreigners Apply for NBI Clearance Online?

The application process starts online through the official NBI Clearance portal.

Applicants register, complete their profile, select a branch, choose a schedule, and pay before appearing at the branch.

However, first-time applicants should expect to appear personally for biometric capture.

Can a Tourist Get NBI Clearance?

The NBI’s general clearance service is available to the public, and its earlier official materials have described the service as available to people seeking employment, OFWs, and tourists.

However, whether a tourist can complete the application using only the documents they currently hold may depend on what identification the branch accepts for that specific situation.

If you are in the Philippines only on a short stay and need an NBI Clearance for a specific legal purpose, contact the NBI Clearance Center before traveling to a branch.

What If You Only Have a Passport?

The NBI’s standard requirement is two valid government-issued IDs.

A passport is specifically listed by the NBI as an acceptable ID example, but a passport alone may not satisfy the general two-ID requirement.

If you are a foreign national with no second Philippine-issued ID, contact the NBI and ask which alternative document is acceptable for your immigration status.

Do not assume that a visa page or photocopy automatically counts as your second valid ID.

Where Should Foreigners Apply?

You can use the NBI’s official clearance center locator to find a branch.

For applicants with more complicated documentation, a larger NBI clearance center may be preferable because staff are more likely to handle a wider variety of cases.

The NBI Clearance Center in Manila is located at:

NBI Clearance Building
United Nations Avenue
Ermita, Manila

The NBI currently lists its operating hours as:

Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

How to Contact the NBI About Foreign Applicant Requirements

Because the NBI’s public pages do not currently provide a complete foreign-national checklist, contacting the NBI is the safest option if your situation is unusual.

For NBI Clearance inquiries, the NBI currently lists:

Landline:
(02) 8524-1277

Mobile:
0939 150 2880

Email:
nbiclearance@nbi.gov.ph

When asking, tell them:

Your nationality
Your visa type
Whether you have an ACR I-Card
What IDs you currently possess
Why you need the clearance

That makes it easier for them to tell you what to bring.

NBI Clearance for Foreigners: Quick Checklist

Before visiting the NBI branch, prepare:

Valid passport
Second acceptable government-issued ID
ACR I-Card, if applicable
Current visa or immigration document, if applicable
NBI online application completed
Payment completed
Reference number saved
Proof of payment
Appointment details

If you are unsure about your second ID, confirm with the NBI before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners apply for NBI Clearance in the Philippines?

Yes. The NBI Clearance service is available to the public, and the current Citizen’s Charter does not restrict the standard service to Filipino citizens.

Is a passport accepted for NBI Clearance?

Yes. Passport is included among the identification documents listed in the NBI’s current application guide.

Is an ACR I-Card required?

The NBI’s current public general application pages do not clearly state that an ACR I-Card is universally mandatory for every foreign applicant.

If you have one, bring it. If you do not, contact the NBI to confirm which alternative document is acceptable.

Do foreigners need two IDs?

The NBI’s standard clearance requirement is two valid government-issued IDs.

How much is NBI Clearance?

The NBI’s current application guide lists the basic fee at ₱130, plus an applicable e-payment service charge.

Do foreigners need to appear personally?

First-time and regular applicants should expect personal appearance for biometrics, photograph, and signature capture.

What if my name is formatted differently on Philippine documents?

Bring your passport and other supporting identification, and check the data carefully before the clearance is printed.

If the discrepancy is significant, ask NBI staff to verify the correct format before printing.

Final Tip for Foreign Applicants

Do not rely only on information from unofficial NBI websites or old expat forum posts.

Foreign-national requirements can vary depending on immigration status and documentation.

Start with the official NBI portal, bring your passport and all available government-issued immigration documents, and confirm any uncertain requirement directly with the NBI before visiting.

Official NBI website:
https://nbi.gov.ph

Official NBI Clearance portal:
https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph

How to Get NBI Clearance for Foreigners in the Philippines (2026 Guide)