National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) — Introduction
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is the premier investigative agency of the Philippine government, operating under the Department of Justice (DOJ) under RA 157 (1947). While the NBI handles complex criminal investigations, it is best known to ordinary Filipinos for issuing the NBI Multi-Purpose Clearance — a document certifying that the applicant has no derogatory record in the NBI database. The clearance is one of the most commonly required documents for employment, travel, business permits, and various government transactions. The single blue Multi-Purpose Clearance is now valid for all purposes — local and abroad (the older green "for overseas employment" variant has been discontinued).
Choose your path
What is the NBI?
- Principal investigative agency under the Department of Justice (RA 157). Issues the NBI Multi-Purpose Clearance — a certification of no pending criminal case or derogatory record. Fee: ₱155 total (₱130 base + ₱25 e-payment service fee). Valid 1 year.
- Apply online at clearance.nbi.gov.ph — walk-ins are generally not accepted (priority lanes may be available for senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women). Choose an NBI Clearance Center (main office, regional/provincial offices, or selected mall branches) when booking your appointment.
- A "hit" means your name matches someone in the NBI database — not a criminal record. NBI verifies your identity by fingerprint comparison, which typically takes 7–14 working days.
- First-time jobseekers can get one free NBI Clearance under RA 11261 (First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act) with a Barangay Certificate proving first-time-jobseeker status.
NBI Services: Which Guide Do You Need?
PinoyGovGuide's NBI Clearance guides — each links to a full walkthrough with requirements, fees, and steps:
- NBI clearance — apply online for an NBI Clearance.
- NBI clearance ‘hit’ resolution — resolve a 'HIT' status (Quality Control).
- NBI clearance renewal — renew your NBI Clearance online.
Important Reminders
- You must register online at clearance.nbi.gov.ph before visiting any NBI office — general walk-in applications are not accepted (priority lanes may be available for senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women).
- The NBI Clearance fee is ₱155 total — ₱130 base + ₱25 e-payment service fee. Beware of fixers or third parties charging higher amounts.
- Free for first-time jobseekers under RA 11261, with a Barangay Certificate of first-time-jobseeker status.
- The NBI Multi-Purpose Clearance is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance and works for both local and overseas use.
- A "hit" does NOT mean you have a criminal record — it only means your name matches someone in the database. NBI verifies via fingerprint comparison, typically 7–14 working days.
- Bring an original valid government-issued ID to your appointment.
- Arrive on time for your scheduled appointment to avoid long waiting times.
- Mall-based NBI Clearance Centers tend to be faster and less crowded than the main office.
Sources
- NBI — Citizens' Charter: NBI Clearance (official NBI page) — process, fees, and validity.
- NBI — Online registration and appointment portal: clearance.nbi.gov.ph.
- Respicio & Co. — RA 11261 First-Time Jobseeker Benefit applied to NBI Clearance.
- Republic Act No. 157 — Charter of the National Bureau of Investigation (1947).
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the NBI Clearance Center you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest NBI Clearance Center first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.