If you are a Filipino living in the UK and need an NBI Clearance, you may be able to complete the application without returning to the Philippines.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has a procedure for applicants who are living abroad. This allows Filipinos in the United Kingdom to prepare their NBI Clearance application, complete the required fingerprinting, submit the necessary documents and send the application to the Philippines or use a designated representative.

This guide explains how to get an NBI Clearance in the UK, including the requirements, fingerprinting process, application form, mailing procedure, representative option, processing time and renewal.

Important: NBIAppointment.org is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the National Bureau of Investigation. NBI requirements and procedures may change, so always verify the latest information with the official NBI and the Philippine Embassy or Consular Office before submitting your application.

Can I Get an NBI Clearance in the UK?

Yes.

Filipinos living in the United Kingdom can follow the NBI’s procedure for applicants abroad.

The NBI’s official instructions state that applicants outside the Philippines can obtain NBI Clearance Application Form No. 5, complete the form, have their fingerprints taken, attach the required photograph and passport copy, and submit the completed application by mail or through a designated representative in the Philippines.

This means that living in the UK does not automatically require you to travel to the Philippines to start an NBI Clearance application.

NBI Clearance UK Requirements

Before starting your application, prepare the required documents.

For applicants living in the UK, the NBI’s current overseas procedure requires:

• NBI Clearance Application Form No. 5
• Completed application information
• Fingerprint impressions
• Recent 2×2 photograph
• White background for the photograph
• Photocopy of the biodata page of your valid passport
• Applicable clearance and mailing fees
• Any additional requirements requested by the Philippine Embassy or Consular Office

The NBI states that the 2×2 photograph should have been taken within three months before the application.

NBI Clearance UK Checklist

Because consular procedures can change, check the current instructions of the Philippine diplomatic post serving your location before traveling or sending documents.

How to Apply for NBI Clearance in the UK

How to Apply for NBI Clearance in the UK

The overseas application can be completed in several steps.

Step 1: Get NBI Clearance Form No. 5

The NBI instructs applicants abroad to obtain NBI Clearance Application Form No. 5 through a Philippine Embassy or Consular Office.

The NBI states that the form is furnished by the NBI upon request by the Department of Foreign Affairs and is free of charge.

Do not rely on an unofficial copy from an unknown website.

Step 2: Complete the NBI Application Form

Fill out the form carefully and avoid erasures.

Your information should be consistent with your passport and other official documents.

Check all personal information before submitting the form, including:

• Full name
• Father’s surname
• Mother’s maiden surname
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Address
• Civil status
• Other required personal information

If you are a married female applicant, follow the NBI’s instructions regarding the surname fields on the application form.

Step 3: Get Your Fingerprints Taken in the UK

Fingerprinting is an essential part of the NBI Clearance application for applicants abroad.

The NBI instructs applicants to proceed to a:

• Philippine Embassy;
• Philippine Consular Office;
• or
• nearest police station for fingerprinting.

The NBI specifies that the fingerprint should be a rolled impression. The person taking the fingerprints must also indicate their name, signature, official designation and office seal on the appropriate part of the form.

Important for Applicants in the UK

Do not assume that every police station or Philippine consular location in the UK provides the same fingerprinting service.

Contact the appropriate office before visiting and confirm:

• whether fingerprinting is available;
• whether an appointment is required;
• which documents you need to bring;
• whether there are local fees;
• how the completed fingerprint form should be certified.

This is especially important if you live outside London.

Step 4: Prepare Your Photo and Passport Copy

The NBI requires applicants abroad to attach a recent 2×2 photograph with a white background.

According to the NBI’s current instructions, the photograph should have been taken within three months before the application.

You must also include a photocopy of the biodata page of your valid passport.

Before sending your application, check that the passport copy is clear and all required information is readable.

Step 5: Send Your NBI Clearance Application to the Philippines

Once your application form and supporting documents are complete, you can follow the NBI’s mailed-clearance procedure.

The NBI currently provides the following mailing address:

National Bureau of Investigation
Mailed Clearance Section
3rd Floor, NBI Clearance Building
UN Avenue, Ermita
Manila, Philippines 1000

The NBI currently states that mailed applications should include PHP 200, consisting of PHP 130 for the clearance fee and PHP 70 for mailing costs. Because government fees can change, verify the current amount before sending payment.

Important

If you are mailing documents from the UK, you should also consider:

• international postage time;
• courier delivery;
• tracking;
• the time required for the NBI to receive your application;
• return delivery time.

The NBI’s five-working-day processing period begins after the documents are received, not when you send them from the UK.

Can Someone in the Philippines Process My NBI Clearance?

Yes, the NBI provides an option for applicants abroad to use a designated representative in the Philippines.

This can be useful if you have a trusted family member or another person who can assist with the application.

According to the NBI’s current procedure, the representative must register through the official NBI Clearance system, select NBI Main Clearance Center as the preferred site and complete the required payment process before going to the Mailed Clearance Section.

Using a Representative From the UK

A representative may be useful when:

• you need the clearance urgently;
• you have family in the Philippines;
• international mailing is inconvenient;
• you want someone in the Philippines to assist with the process.

Only use a person you trust.

Do not share your passwords, banking information or unnecessary personal credentials with an unknown person.

How Long Does NBI Clearance Take From the UK?

The NBI currently states that applications from abroad take a maximum of five working days upon receipt of the required documents.

However, the total time for a UK applicant can be longer because the five-day processing period does not necessarily include:

• obtaining the application form;
• arranging fingerprinting;
• waiting for a consular appointment;
• sending the documents from the UK;
• international delivery;
• return delivery;
• processing through a representative.

Applying for a Visa or Immigration?

If your NBI Clearance is required for:

• UK immigration;
• another country’s immigration application;
• employment;
• visa processing;
• permanent residence;
• citizenship;
• overseas employment;

apply as early as possible.

Do not plan your deadline around the NBI’s five-day internal processing time alone.

NBI Clearance UK for Visa and Immigration Applications

Many Filipinos living in the UK need an NBI Clearance for an immigration or employment-related application.

Before ordering your clearance, check the organization requesting the document.

They may have specific requirements concerning:

• certificate date;
• document validity;
• original documents;
• translations;
• authentication;
• certification;
• submission format.

The NBI Clearance process and your visa or immigration application are two separate processes.

Getting an NBI Clearance does not automatically satisfy every immigration document requirement.

Can I Renew My NBI Clearance From the UK?

The NBI provides an overseas procedure for renewal of certain previous NBI Clearance certificates.

According to the NBI’s current instructions, an NBI Clearance certificate issued starting in 2014 may be renewed through mail or through a designated representative, following the overseas procedure.

Certificates issued before 2014 are treated as a new application.

If your address or civil status has changed, follow the NBI instructions for recording the updated information on your previous clearance.

Do I Need an NBI Appointment in the UK?

The overseas application procedure is different from booking a normal NBI appointment at a clearance center in the Philippines.

If you are living in the UK, first follow the NBI’s Mailed Clearance / Applying from Abroad instructions.

Your fingerprinting step may require an appointment or another local procedure depending on the Philippine Embassy, Consular Office or other authorized location serving you.

Therefore, contact the relevant office before traveling.

NBI Clearance UK: London Applicants

If you live in London, do not assume that the procedure is identical to the procedure available to applicants in other parts of the United Kingdom.

Before visiting a Philippine diplomatic or consular office, check its current:

• appointment requirements;
• opening hours;
• fingerprinting availability;
• document requirements;
• payment arrangements.

The same principle applies if you live in:

• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Liverpool
• Leeds
• Glasgow
• Edinburgh
• Cardiff
• Belfast
• or another UK location.

Always check which Philippine diplomatic post is responsible for your area.

What If I Live Far From London?

If you live outside London, contact the Philippine Embassy or appropriate Consular Office before making travel arrangements.

Ask specifically about the current procedure for NBI Clearance applicants living in your area.

You should not assume that a police station near your home can automatically provide the fingerprinting and certification required by the NBI.

The NBI’s official overseas instructions allow fingerprinting at a Philippine Embassy, Consular Office or nearest police station, but the actual availability of the service should be confirmed locally.

NBI Clearance UK: Common Problems

My fingerprints were taken incorrectly

If your fingerprint card does not meet the NBI’s requirements, contact the office that took your fingerprints before mailing the application.

The NBI specifically requires a rolled fingerprint impression and certification details from the person taking the fingerprints.

I forgot my passport copy

The NBI’s overseas procedure requires a photocopy of the biodata page of your valid passport.

Check your documents carefully before mailing your application.

My NBI Clearance is urgent

Allow time for:

UK appointment/fingerprinting → international mailing → NBI receipt → NBI processing → return delivery

The NBI’s five-day processing period applies after the NBI receives the documents.

I cannot travel to London

Contact the Philippine diplomatic post serving your area and ask about available options.

Do not assume that another location or private service can automatically complete the NBI procedure on your behalf.

NBI Clearance UK Frequently Asked Questions

Can Filipinos in the UK get an NBI Clearance without returning to the Philippines?

Yes. The NBI has a procedure for applicants abroad that allows the completed application to be submitted by mail or through a designated representative in the Philippines.

Can I apply for an NBI Clearance from London?

Yes. Applicants living in London can follow the NBI’s overseas procedure and should confirm the current fingerprinting and consular requirements before visiting the appropriate Philippine diplomatic office.

Can I apply for an NBI Clearance from Manchester?

You can follow the NBI’s overseas application procedure, but you should first confirm where and how your fingerprints can be taken and certified.

Can I get NBI Clearance from the UK without going to the Philippines?

Yes. The NBI provides an overseas procedure specifically for applicants outside the Philippines.

Can a family member process my NBI Clearance in the Philippines?

The NBI allows applicants abroad to use a designated representative, subject to its current registration, payment and submission requirements.

How long does an NBI Clearance take from the UK?

The NBI currently states a maximum processing time of five working days after receiving the required documents. Mailing and consular processing can add additional time.

How much does NBI Clearance cost in the UK?

The NBI’s current mailed-clearance instructions specify PHP 200 for the mailed application, consisting of PHP 130 clearance fee and PHP 70 mailing cost. Confirm the current amount before submitting your application because fees and procedures can change.

Where can I find the official NBI information?

The safest approach is to check the official National Bureau of Investigation website and its page for applicants applying from abroad.

NBI Clearance UK Checklist

Before sending your application, make sure you have:

• NBI Clearance Application Form No. 5
• Correctly completed application form
• Required fingerprint impressions
• Fingerprint certification
• Recent 2×2 photograph
• White background photograph
• Copy of valid passport biodata page
• Applicable NBI fee
• Mailing arrangements
• Representative details, if applicable
• Current Philippine Embassy/Consular Office requirements
• Enough time before your immigration, visa or employment deadline

Official NBI Information for Applicants in the UK

Because NBI requirements and government procedures can change, always verify the latest information before submitting documents or payment.

The NBI’s official website provides a dedicated procedure for Mailed Clearance / Applying from Abroad and confirms that applications from abroad are processed through the NBI Clearance Building in Manila.

You can also consult the NBI’s official clearance application information and official online portal.

Last reviewed: September 2026

NBIAppointment.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the National Bureau of Investigation.