NBI Clearance Validity Period 2025 – Complete Guide for All Scenarios

The NBI Clearance is one of the most important legal documents in the Philippines. It is issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and shows that a person has no criminal record. Whether you are applying for a job, traveling abroad, or processing legal papers, you need an updated and valid NBI Clearance. In this guide, we will explain how long it is valid, how to check it, and what to do when it expires. Understand the meaning and importance of identifying marks in NBI clearance.

How Long is NBI Clearance Valid

The NBI Clearance is valid for one year from the date it is issued. The expiry date is clearly written on the certificate. For example, if your clearance is issued on January 10, 2025, it will expire on January 10, 2026.
This one-year period ensures that your record remains updated and accurate. After one year, you need to renew it because the NBI database is updated regularly, and old clearances become invalid for legal or official use.

NBI Clearance Validity for Employment

For job seekers, having a valid NBI Clearance is very important. Although the official validity is one year, many employers prefer a clearance that is no more than six months old.
Some companies, especially government offices or large organizations, even ask for a clearance that’s less than three months old.
If you are actively applying for jobs or switching companies, it is better to renew your clearance early. Keeping a fresh clearance shows that your background is clean and up-to-date.

Tip: If you are applying for multiple jobs, renew your NBI Clearance once every six months to avoid rejection.

NBI Clearance Validity for Travel & Visa Application

When traveling abroad or applying for a visa, NBI Clearance plays a major role. It proves that you have a clean record in the Philippines.
Although the official validity is one year, different embassies and countries have their own requirements.
For example:

• Canada, Australia, and the USA often ask for NBI Clearances that are not older than six months.
  
• Schengen countries sometimes require clearance that is only three months old.
  

So, even if your clearance is valid for one year, you might still need to renew it earlier if you’re applying for a visa. Always check the embassy or agency’s requirements before submission.

NBI Clearance Validity for Saudi Arabia

For Filipinos going to Saudi Arabia, an NBI Clearance is also required for work visas, iqama processing, and company verification.

The clearance is officially valid for one year, but the Saudi Embassy and most Saudi employers accept only those that are issued within 6 months.

If your NBI Clearance is older than 6 months, the Saudi recruitment agency or embassy may request a new one.

Important Notes for Saudi Applicants:

• Your NBI Clearance must be authenticated by the DFA and then verified by the Saudi Embassy in Manila.
  
• For OFWs already in Saudi Arabia, you can send an authorization letter to someone in the Philippines to renew it on your behalf.
  
• Keep extra photocopies because many agencies ask for both original and certified copies.
  

If you are renewing your iqama or applying for a new job in Saudi Arabia, make sure your clearance is recent to avoid delays.

NBI Clearance Validity for UAE (United Arab Emirates)

For Filipinos working or planning to work in the UAE, the NBI Clearance is required for employment visas, residence permits, and company applications.

The official validity of the clearance remains 1 year, but in practice, UAE employers and authorities prefer an NBI Clearance that is issued within the past 6 months.

If your NBI Clearance is older than that, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or your employer might ask for a newer one.

Key Points for UAE Applicants:

• You must have your NBI Clearance authenticated by the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and attested by the UAE Embassy in Manila.
  
• If you are already in the UAE, you can authorize someone in the Philippines to renew or process it for you.
  
• Always renew your clearance at least two months before expiration if you are due for contract renewal or visa extension.
  

This ensures that your documents are up-to-date and ready for submission to UAE authorities.

NBI Clearance for OFWs 2025 

The NBI Clearance is one of the most important documents for every Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). It proves that you have no criminal record in the Philippines and that you are legally cleared to work or live abroad. Whether you are applying for a job overseas, renewing your visa, or processing a work permit, your NBI Clearance is always required.

Can I Get NBI Clearance with Longer Validity

No, the NBI does not issue clearances that are valid for more than one year. Every NBI Clearance, no matter what purpose it serves, expires after 12 months.
This rule helps ensure that all applicants’ background records stay current. If you need a clearance after it expires, you must apply for renewal or a new one.

How to Check NBI Clearance Validity

There are several easy ways to check the validity or expiry date of your NBI Clearance:

1. Check Your Clearance Certificate:
   Look at the top section of your printed NBI Clearance. The expiration date is written clearly.
   
2. Verify Online:
   Visit the official NBI website (clearance.nbi.gov.ph) and find the “NBI Clearance Online Verification” option.
   
   • Enter your NBI ID number.
     
   • Click on “Verify.”
     
   • The website will show if your clearance is still Active or Expired.
     
3. Call the NBI Helpline:
   You can call (02) 8523 8231 to 38 during working hours (Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM).
   Provide your NBI ID and personal details to know your clearance validity.
   

Visit the NBI Office:
If you live near an NBI branch, you can visit in person. Bring your ID and clearance number, and they will tell you the status of your document.

Can I Use Expired NBI Clearance

No, once your NBI Clearance is expired, it becomes invalid. You cannot use it for any official or legal purpose.
If you attach an expired NBI Clearance to your job or visa application, it will likely be rejected.
Always make sure your clearance is active when you submit it to companies or government agencies.

Renewal Process & Validity

Renewing your NBI Clearance is simple, especially if your information has not changed.
Here’s how you can renew it:

1. Online Renewal (Quick Renewal):
   
   • Visit the official NBI website.
     
   • Select “Renew Clearance.”
     
   • Enter your NBI ID or old reference number.
     
   • Choose “Door-to-Door Delivery” or pick up at an NBI branch.
     
2. Regular Renewal at NBI Office:
   
   • Visit the nearest NBI branch.
     
   • Bring your old clearance and a valid ID.
     
   • Pay the renewal fee and get your new clearance (same-day release if no hit).
     

Renewal Validity:
Once you renew, your clearance is valid for one more year from the new issue date.

Note: If your name, marital status, or personal details have changed, you must apply as a new applicant, not a renewal.

Hit Status – Does It Affect Validity

Yes, a hit status can delay your clearance but does not reduce its validity period.
A “hit” means your name matches someone in the NBI record who has a pending or past case. When this happens, your clearance goes through manual verification.

• Processing time: 5 to 10 working days (sometimes more).
  
• After verification, your clearance is released with a one-year validity from the final issue date.
  

If you are found to have no criminal record, your clearance is approved normally.

Special Cases That Affect Validity

Although the NBI Clearance is valid for one year, some special cases may require a newer clearance. Examples include:

• Legal cases (like adoption or court hearings) where updated clearances are needed.
  
• Government employees who must renew their security clearance regularly.
  
• Business transactions in banks or high-risk sectors may require an NBI Clearance not older than three months.
  
• Foreign applicants in the Philippines may face delays due to identity verification.
  

Always confirm the specific requirements of the organization you are dealing with to avoid delays.

When Citizens Should Renew NBI Clearance

You should renew your NBI Clearance at least one month before it expires. This gives enough time to avoid any delay.
If you often apply for jobs, renew every six months to stay updated.
For OFWs or travelers, apply for renewal two months before your flight since international delivery may take longer.

Having a valid NBI Clearance helps you avoid stress during job applications, visa processing, or legal work.

Conclusion

The NBI Clearance is an important document for all Filipinos. It proves that you have no criminal record and are eligible for work, travel, and other legal activities. The clearance is valid for one year, but some agencies might ask for a more recent copy. Always check your expiry date and renew it on time.
If your clearance is expired, you must renew it immediately to stay compliant with requirements in the Philippines or abroad.

FAQs

1. How long is NBI Clearance valid?
It is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

2. Can I get an NBI Clearance with more than one-year validity?
No, all clearances are valid for one year only.

3. How can I check if my NBI Clearance is still valid?
You can check the printed expiry date, verify online at clearance.nbi.gov.ph, or call the NBI Helpline.

4. Can I use my expired NBI Clearance for job or visa application?
No, expired clearances are not accepted for any purpose.

5. What happens if I have a “hit” on my NBI record?
Your application will go through manual verification, which may take 5–10 working days.

6. When should I renew my NBI Clearance?
You should renew it one month before expiry or earlier if required by employers or embassies.

7. Can OFWs renew NBI Clearance while abroad?
Yes, through mailed applications or by authorizing someone in the Philippines to process it for them.