Getting NBI Clearance: A Guide for Filipinos in South Korea

For Filipinos living and working in South Korea, securing a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance is a crucial task for a variety of official purposes. Unlike in the Philippines, where the process is relatively straightforward, applying from abroad requires a specific set of steps involving the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. The embassy does not issue the clearance itself but facilitates the fingerprinting and notarization process, which is a key component of the application.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, from appointment booking to the final submission of documents
Step 1: The Online Appointment and Registration
Before visiting the embassy, you must first register online at the official NBI website, . Fill out the application form with all your personal details. This step is critical as it generates a unique Reference Number that you will need for your application. If you have had an NBI Clearance before, you may be able to renew online without a new fingerprint card, but only if it was issued from 2014 onwards and there are no changes to your personal information. For all new applicants and those with clearances issued before 2014, a physical visit to the embassy is necessary.

Next, you must book an appointment with the Philippine Embassy in Seoul for their notarial services, specifically for NBI Clearance. The embassy's booking system requires you to select the correct consular service to avoid delays. Ensure you have your full name, phone number, and email ready for the booking.
Step 2: Preparing Your Documents for the Embassy Visit
To ensure a smooth process at the embassy, gather the following requirements for your scheduled appointment:

Valid Passport: Present the original and a photocopy of your Philippine passport. The photocopy should include the data page and the signature page.

Two (2) 2x2 ID Photos: These should be recent, with a white background, and taken within the last three months. Write your full name and sign at the back of each photo.

NBI Form No. 5: This is the physical fingerprint card form. While some embassies provide a downloadable version, it is typically issued at the embassy itself during your appointment.

Proof of Identity: A valid Alien Registration Card (ARC) or any other valid Korean ID may also be required.

Step 3: The Embassy Visit and Fingerprinting
On the day of your appointment, arrive on time at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. Present your appointment confirmation at the reception. You will be given the NBI Form No. 5 to fill out. Take care to write all information clearly and accurately using black permanent ink, as no erasures are allowed. Married women should pay special attention to the correct order of their names: Maiden surname (father's), Husband's surname, First/given name, and Mother's maiden surname.

After filling out the form, a consular officer will assist you with taking your fingerprint impressions on the card. This is the main service the embassy provides to NBI applicants. Once the fingerprinting is complete, you will proceed to the cashier to pay the consular fee. The embassy charges a fee for this service, which is separate from the NBI processing fee you will pay later.

Step 4: Submission to the NBI in the Philippines
Once the embassy has completed and certified your NBI Form No. 5, it is your responsibility to submit this to the NBI in the Philippines. You have two primary options for this:

Through a Representative: This is the most common method. You must provide an Authorization Letter or a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) allowing a trusted representative (a family member or friend) in the Philippines to process the clearance on your behalf. You will send them the completed NBI Form No. 5, a photocopy of your passport, a 2x2 photo, the NBI Reference Number from your online registration, and the NBI processing fee (typically around PHP200). Your representative will then go to the NBI Main Office in Manila to submit the documents and claim the clearance.

By Mail: If you do not have a representative, you can mail the documents directly to the NBI's Mailed Clearance Section in Manila. This method can be slower, so it is often used as a last resort. You will need to include the completed NBI Form No. 5, your 2x2 photo, a photocopy of your passport, and the NBI processing fee in cash, bank draft, or money order.

After the NBI receives and processes your documents, they will send the clearance to your address either in the Philippines or abroad. Remember to check for the embossed NBI dry-seal on the document upon receipt and affix your right thumbprint on the designated space before using it for your intended purpose.
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