National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)

NBI Clearance from Abroad (Mailed Clearance)

Applicants abroad use NBI Mailed Clearance processed at NBI Clearance Building, UN Avenue, Manila. New applicants secure NBI Form No. 5 from a Philippine Embassy/Consulate (or via authorized representative at NBI), complete fingerprints, and send documents/payment. Clearances issued from 2014 onward may be renewed by mail/representative without a new fingerprint card if personal data is unchanged. Representatives must register at clearance.nbi.gov.ph selecting NBI Main Clearance Center.

Apply for NBI Clearance while abroad via mailed clearance or a Philippine representative—Form No. 5 and renewal rules from official NBI materials.

Last verified October 9, 2026

Updated October 9, 2026

https://nbi.gov.ph/mailed-clearance-abroad/ (2026-10-09).

Quick Summary

Agency
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
How to apply
Online or walk-in
Published processing time
NBI materials cite processing measured in working days after documents are received at Manila—confirm current advice from NBI/post.
Published NBI clearance fees
₱200

What You’ll Need

Use this as a preparation checklist. Items marked “If it applies” are situational.

  • NBI Clearance Application Form No. 5 with consular seal when secured abroad

    Official source

    Or representative obtains form at NBI Mailed Clearance Section with authorization.

  • Recent 2x2 photo with white background

    Official source

    Taken within three months per NBI mailed-clearance page.

  • Photocopy of passport biodata page

    Official source

    Required for mailed applications.

  • Latest NBI clearance issued 2014 onward for renewal-without-new-card path

    If it appliesOfficial source

    Pre-2014 treated as new.

  • Authorization letter and representative valid ID if filing through a representative

    If it appliesOfficial source

    SPA may be used; confirm post/NBI practice.

How To Do It

  1. 1

    Secure Form No. 5 and fingerprints at the Embassy/Consulate if new

    Official source

    Follow post instructions.

  2. 2

    Have representative register online selecting NBI Main Clearance Center

    Official source

    Copy the reference number onto the card/packet.

  3. 3

    Mail or hand-carry complete packet to NBI Mailed Clearance Section

    Official source

    Include fee per NBI/post guidance.

  4. 4

    Claim through the channel NBI returns or representative instructions

    Official source

    Only Manila processes abroad applications.

Fees

Ordinary clearance uses the published basic fee plus e-payment charges. First-Time Job Seeker clearance is free of charge per NBI’s Citizen’s Charter.

NBI clearance fee for mailed applications
NBI’s mailed-clearance page states ₱200 (₱130 clearance + ₱70 mailing). Confirm if your Embassy/Consulate adds separate fingerprinting or courier charges.
Official source
₱200

Important Notes

  • Different from ordinary domestic online clearance

    Official source

    Domestic first-timers still appear at an NBI site after online registration.

Where / How To Apply

Philippine Foreign Service Post for Form No. 5/fingerprints; NBI Mailed Clearance Section, NBI Clearance Building, UN Avenue, Manila for processing. Online registration at clearance.nbi.gov.ph (Main Clearance Center).

Open NBI Clearance portalOpen FTJS portal

Official Forms

Links go to current official agency sources. Ano Kailangan does not host government PDF copies. Do not assume a downloadable file is accepted for filing unless the note below says so.

  • NBI Clearance Application Form No. 5

    National Bureau of Investigation

    Printed submission may apply in some channels—confirm on the current official source before you rely on a printout.

    Form is obtained from DFA posts or NBI Mailed Clearance Section—not a public blank PDF hosted here.

    Last verified October 9, 2026 · Evidence VERIFIED

    Open official source

Official Sources

Verify the checklist against the agency before you travel or pay.