Independent guide, not affiliated with NBI or PNP Last checked: 28 Sep 2026 We never ask for your personal data

Which Clearance Do I Need?

Three quick questions and you'll know whether to get the NBI clearance, the police clearance or both.

You'll most likely need:

Get my checklist
Which clearance do I need?
Did the office name a specific clearance?
Yes

Get exactly the one they named. That always wins.

No
Is it for work, study or migration abroad?
Yes

NBI clearance, often with a DFA apostille

No

Local job or permit: a police clearance is often enough. Government jobs often ask for both.

A guide, not an official rule: the office asking always has the final say.

How the quiz decides

  • Abroad, visas and migration point to the NBI clearance, and often a DFA apostille.
  • Local permits, loans and many local jobs point to the National Police Clearance.
  • If the office named one, that wins every time.
  • First-time job seekers get a reminder that both clearances are free once under RA 11261.

The quiz is a guide, not an official answer. The employer, agency or embassy asking for the clearance always has the final say. See the full NBI vs Police Clearance comparison.