By Joyce Rocamora
MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday formally launched the e-Apostille for National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) e-clearances, cutting the usual processing time from transmission to release to 24 hours.
The DFA and NBI signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) integrating the DFA e-Apostille system and the NBI e-Clearance in a ceremony in Pasay City.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega said the integration will reduce documentary verification time and at the same time secure the integrity of records intended for use abroad.
“Beyond convenience, the integration will strengthen document verification and help safeguard the integrity of our electronic records. By leveraging digital technology, we can reduce opportunities for fraud and document alteration, while ensuring that authentication services remain secure and trustworthy,” she said.
In 2025, the agency released more than 300,000 apostilled NBI clearances, its second most frequently processed document for apostille next to birth certificates.
The initiative builds on the DFA’s digitalization efforts since it began implementing the Apostille Convention in 2019.
In March, the DFA introduced e-Apostilles for Philippine Statistics Authority and Commission on Higher Education documents, followed by another rollout for Maritime Industry Authority-issued records in June.
“With the integration of the NBI e-Clearances, we further expand the reach of our digital authentication services and bring government processes closer to the people we serve,” Dizon-De Vega said.
To apply, users must log in to their e-GovPH application account and search for the NBI e-Clearance service.
After evaluation and approval, the NBI then electronically transmits the e-clearance directly to the DFA for e-Apostille processing, removing the need for physical document submission between agencies.
Once the DFA completes its review process, the e-Apostille NBI e-Clearance is electronically issued and delivered to the applicant’s registered email address.
“With us, minutes lalabas yung clearance mo. So yung processing na lang talaga. Malaking bagay ito (your clearance will be out. So the time really depends on the processing of e-Apostille. This would be a huge help),” said NBI Director Melvin Matibag, who signed the MOA.
On the DFA side, Dizon-De Vega said the processing will only take at least a day after they receive the e-clearance from NBI.
A DFA e-apostille is tamper-proof and recognized in over 120 Apostille Convention member countries. (PNA)
