What is an apostille?
According to the DFA, an apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It certifies the authenticity of the signature or seal on the document and the capacity of the person who signed it. It does not certify the content of the document.
The Philippines joined the Apostille Convention on 14 May 2019. Since then, the DFA issues an apostille instead of the old Authentication Certificate ("red ribbon"), and embassies of other Apostille countries no longer need to legalize the document.
Key rules from the DFA:
- Apostilles are only for documents used abroad. A document to be used in the Philippines can't be apostillized.
- Both countries must be in the Convention. Check the HCCH list of Apostille countries.
- Finland and Germany objected to the Philippine accession, so documents for those countries still need legalization by their embassy or consulate, like non-Apostille countries.
- Non-Apostille countries: contact that country's embassy or consulate in the Philippines. The DFA issues a paper Certificate of Authentication for their legalization.
Fees and processing time
From the DFA Authentication Division:
| Service | Fee | Release |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | ₱100 | After 5 working days |
| Expedited | ₱200 | After 2 working days |
| e-Apostille (PSA and CHED e-documents only) | ₱200 | Sent by email |
Apostille fees aren't covered by the first-time job seeker fee waiver (RA 11261, Section 8).
e-Apostille is not for NBI clearances. The DFA currently issues e-Apostilles only for PSA electronic certificates (birth, marriage, death, CENOMAR and related records) and CHED eCAVs, ordered online. An e-Apostille is emailed and loses its validity if printed.
Show as a table
| Step | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| NBI clearance, no HIT | Same day | Released on the day of your branch visit |
| NBI clearance, with HIT | 5–10 working days | Return after 5–10 working days, no extra fee |
| Police clearance, no HIT | Same day | Usually released after verification on your visit |
| DFA apostille, expedited | Up to 2 working days | ₱200, released after 2 working days |
| DFA apostille, regular | Up to 5 working days | ₱100, released after 5 working days |
| NBI mailed clearance (abroad) | Up to 5 working days | Up to 5 working days after the NBI receives it, plus mailing |
Sources: nbi.gov.ph, pnpclearance.ph, apostille.gov.ph. Times start from your visit or submission.
Apostille for an NBI clearance
The DFA has a dedicated online process for NBI clearances:
Go to apostille.gov.ph and start the NBI clearance apostille
Create an account.
Upload a clear photo of your NBI clearance
The system reads and encodes the details, so make sure the photo is sharp and complete.
Pay online
through LANDBANK LinkBiz.
Choose your appointment date and time
Print the application form and transaction slip
once your payment is approved.
Submit on your appointment date
Bring the original NBI clearance, a valid ID and the printed forms to the office named in your booking.
Where to apply
The DFA runs apostille services by online appointment only (appointment.apostille.gov.ph). Its FAQ lists these locations:
- DFA Aseana (Office of Consular Affairs, ASEANA Business Park, Parañaque City)
- Consular offices: NCR West (SM Manila), NCR Northeast (Ali Mall), NCR South (Alabang Town Center), NCR East (SM Megamall), Pampanga (Robinsons StarMills), La Union (CSi Mall), Cebu (Pacific Mall Mandaue), Iloilo (Robinsons Place), Davao (SM Davao) and Cagayan de Oro (SM Downtown Premier)
The DFA marks some consular offices as temporarily unavailable from time to time, so check the booking site for current slots.
Rescheduling, representatives and claiming
- Reschedule or cancel using the buttons in your appointment confirmation email.
- Representatives are allowed. Someone can process and claim the apostille for you if they bring the representative requirements listed on apostille.gov.ph (usually an authorization letter and IDs).
- Couriers are allowed as your authorized representative. Arrange fees and status updates with the courier.
- Claiming at DFA Aseana doesn't need an appointment. For consular offices, email the office.
- Unclaimed apostilles are disposed of three months after the scheduled release date.
How to verify an apostille
Recipients can verify a Philippine apostille at the DFA's official verification site, e-registry2023.apostille.gov.ph/apostilleverifying/, or by scanning the QR code on the apostille. e-Apostilles can also be checked through the link or QR code on their cover sheet.
Official DFA contact
- Authentication concerns hotline: (02) 8651-9400 loc. 2429, 2431
- Office: DFA Office of Consular Affairs, ASEANA Business Park, Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. cor. Bradco Ave., Tambo, Parañaque City
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an apostille for my NBI clearance?
Only if it will be used abroad and the receiving country or office requires it. Many do for work and immigration. Ask them first.
Does the apostille make my NBI clearance valid longer?
No. The apostille only certifies the document's origin. The receiving country decides how recent the clearance must be.
Can I walk in without an appointment?
No. The DFA follows an online-appointment-only policy for apostille. Book at appointment.apostille.gov.ph.
Can the DFA apostille a document from another country?
No. The DFA only apostillizes Philippine public documents for use abroad. Foreign documents need an apostille from the country that issued them.
Can I apostille an affidavit or special power of attorney?
Private documents can be authenticated only after they're notarized and given a Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) by the supervising Regional Trial Court.