NBI Clearance for Foreigners 2026: Requirements & Process
Foreign nationals in the Philippines need an NBI Clearance for work permits, a 13A spouse visa, student visas, and residency. The process differs from a Filipino’s — here’s exactly what to bring, where to go, and how to handle the ACR I-Card hurdle.
A foreigner applies for an NBI Clearance by registering on the NBI portal, selecting Passport + ACR I-Card as IDs, booking an appointment, paying the fee (about ₱155), and appearing in person. In Metro Manila, foreign applications are processed only at the NBI Main Office (U.N. Avenue, Ermita). Unlike Filipinos, foreigners don’t get same-day release — expect about 6–15 working days due to extra verification. No ACR number yet? Use the NBI Online Assistance Office in person.
Do Foreigners Need an NBI Clearance?
Yes — it certifies you have no criminal record during your stay in the Philippines. Foreign nationals commonly need it for:
- Work permit (Alien Employment Permit / AEP) application or renewal
- 13A resident visa (for those married to a Filipino)
- Student visa and other long-term visas
- Immigration, residency, or citizenship applications — usually after living in the country for about six months
Document | Notes |
Original passport | Valid 6+ months; bring a photocopy of the bio page through the visa page |
ACR I-Card | Bureau of Immigration Alien Certificate of Registration — required for stays over 59 days; bring original + photocopy (front and back) |
Proof of legal stay | Your current visa or permit |
Printout of application + receipt | Bring on appointment day |
The office takes your photo during encoding, so you usually don’t need to bring a passport-size photo — though some provincial offices may charge a small fee to take one. For the broader ID rules, see our requirements guide.
The ACR I-Card Problem (and the Fix)
Here’s the catch most guides skip: the online portal often won’t let you submit without an ACR number — yet many applicants need the clearance precisely to get the visa that grants the ACR I-Card. It’s a frustrating loop.
The fix: skip the online form and go to the NBI Online Assistance Office in person (often a small office near the Main Office). Staff manually encode your details, leave the ACR field blank using their access, and hand you a printed form and reference number — everything you need to continue, no online appointment required.
Where Foreigners Apply
Location matters more than for locals:
- In Metro Manila (NCR): only the NBI Main Clearance Center, U.N. Avenue, Ermita, Manila processes foreign nationals. Satellite NCR branches do not.
- Outside Metro Manila: apply at the nearest provincial NBI branch; processing usually runs about 10–15 days.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Register online
Create an account on the NBI portal (or use the Assistance Office if you have no ACR number).
Fill in your details & apply for clearance
Complete the applicant form, then click Apply for Clearance and select Passport and ACR I-Card as your IDs.
Book your appointment
Choose the Main Office (NCR) or your provincial branch, and a date/time.
Pay the fee
Pay online (GCash, card, bank) or over the counter, and keep the receipt.
Appear in person
At the office, fill out Alien Registration Form No. 5 at the registration desk, then complete biometrics — both digital and ink (manual) fingerprints — plus photo and signature.
Get your claim date
Staff stamp your receipt with the release date. Return on that exact date to collect your clearance.
Fees
The fee is the same as for Filipinos — roughly ₱155 (₱130 clearance fee + about ₱25 service fee), and it can vary slightly by declared purpose and location. Tip: when asked, request the correct annotation for your need, such as “For Immigration Purpose” or “For Marriage Visa Requirement,” so the clearance reads correctly for the agency.
Processing Time — Why It Takes Longer
Foreigners almost never get same-day release. Because the NBI runs additional record verification on foreign applicants, processing typically takes about 6 to 15 working days — sometimes longer. Many foreign applications are flagged for manual review automatically; this is routine and usually not a sign of any record. Apply at least two weeks before you actually need the clearance. If your application shows a HIT, our guide to HIT status explains what to expect.
A Note on Names
Western names often don’t have a Filipino-style middle name (the mother’s maiden surname), which can confuse the form. A common workaround is to enter your first and middle names together in the first-name field and leave the middle-name field blank — but follow whatever the NBI staff advise, and keep your entries consistent with your passport.
Renewing an NBI Clearance as a Foreigner
If you’ve had one before, bring your old NBI Clearance plus photocopies of your passport and ACR I-Card, your application printout, and the official receipt. As with new applications, foreign renewals are handled at the Main Office in Manila. Keep your visa and ACR I-Card current — if they lapse, your clearance effectively does too.
Important Reminders
- Keep your visa and ACR I-Card valid — if your visa is expiring soon, sort that first.
- Dress properly (no shorts or slippers); offices enforce a dress code.
- Ignore “fixers” outside the office offering to fast-track you — use only official counters.
- If you’ll submit the clearance abroad, ask whether an apostille (via the DFA) is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Getting an NBI Clearance as a foreigner is very doable once you know the quirks: bring your passport and ACR I-Card, apply at the Main Office in Ermita (or your provincial branch), and budget about two weeks for the extra verification. If the online form blocks you over the ACR number, the Assistance Office solves it. Prepare your documents, dress appropriately, and return on your stamped claim date.
