Many Filipinos work overseas to support their families and build better futures. Whether you’re an OFW renewing your contract, applying for a visa, or processing new employment abroad, one document commonly required is police clearance. It serves as official proof that you have no pending criminal case or derogatory record in the Philippines at the time of issuance.

This comprehensive guide explains how overseas workers can get police clearance in the Philippines, including requirements, online application steps, fees, validity, and solutions for common problems. Even if you are currently abroad, you will learn the available options to process your police clearance smoothly.

What is Police Clearance for Overseas Workers?

Police clearance is an official document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) that verifies if a person has a criminal record in the country. It is part of the background check required by:

foreign employers
embassies
immigration offices
recruitment agencies
government institutions

For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), police clearance is often requested when:

applying for a job abroad
renewing work permits or visas
migrating with family
changing employers overseas
applying for permanent residency

It assures foreign governments that the applicant maintains good conduct and character.

Why Overseas Workers Need Police Clearance

Overseas workers are typically required to submit police clearance because it:

✅ Confirms good moral character

Foreign employers want to ensure applicants do not have records involving:

theft
assault
fraud
cybercrime
drug-related offenses

✅ Ensures public safety

Countries maintain strict entry screening to:

protect citizens
prevent criminal activity
maintain workplace security

✅ Completes legal documentation

Police clearance is often part of:

visa applications
employment contract processing
background checks for sensitive jobs
residency and citizenship applications

✅ Strengthens worker credibility

A clean police record boosts confidence and trust from:

employers
embassies
agencies

Police Clearance vs NBI Clearance for Overseas Workers

Overseas workers are sometimes confused about which document is required: police clearance or NBI clearance.

Here is the difference:

Criteria	Police Clearance	NBI Clearance
Issued By	Philippine National Police	National Bureau of Investigation
Coverage	Local & national police records	Nationwide criminal records
Use Abroad	Sometimes accepted	More commonly required
Processing	Faster	Can take longer if HIT

👉 Many embassies prefer NBI clearance for migration and long-term visas.
👉 However, police clearance is still widely required, especially by foreign employers or recruitment agencies.

It’s best to confirm requirements with your agency or embassy.

Types of Police Clearance Overseas Workers May Need

There are two main types available:

1. Local Police Clearance

Issued at a municipality or city police station.
Useful for:

local job changes
basic agency requirements

2. National Police Clearance (NPC)

Issued through the PNP clearance National Police Clearance System (NPCS).
It is:

nationally centralized
digitally verifiable
commonly accepted by agencies

For overseas work, National Police Clearance is highly recommended.

Requirements for Overseas Workers Applying for Police Clearance

Before applying, prepare the following documents:

Primary Valid IDs (any two)

Passport
UMID
SSS ID
Driver’s License
PhilHealth ID
Postal ID
PRC License
Voter’s ID
Senior Citizen ID
School ID (for students)

If only one valid ID is available

Add any of the following:

PSA Birth Certificate
Barangay Clearance

Additional documents OFWs may need

Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
Work visa copy
Employment contract
Authorization letter (if applying through representative)

Make sure all details match your police clearance application name.

How Overseas Workers Can Get Police Clearance While in the Philippines

If you are physically present in the Philippines, follow the updated online process below.

Step 1 – Register in the National Police Clearance System

Create an account at the NPCS online portal.

Provide:

full name
email address
birthday
password

Verify via email.

Step 2 – Fill out your personal profile

Include:

current address
gender
civil status
place of birth

Ensure accuracy because police clearance details will be based on this record.

Step 3 – Set an online appointment

Choose:

preferred police station
available schedule
convenient time slot

Step 4 – Pay the processing fee

Typical fee:

₱150 + service charge

Payment channels:

GCash
BancNet
7-Eleven
Maya
Over-the-counter banks

Save the reference number.

Step 5 – Go to the police station on the scheduled date

Bring:

Valid IDs
Reference number
Printed application or screenshot

Biometrics captured include:

fingerprints
digital signature
profile photo

Step 6 – Wait for record verification

Results:

No Hit → clearance printed same day
With Hit → additional verification required

Step 7 – Receive your police clearance

You will be issued:

printed copy
digital downloadable file

Both versions may be required by agencies.

How Overseas Workers Can Get Police Clearance While Abroad

If you are already working overseas, you still have options.

You can obtain police clearance through:

✔ Authorizing a representative in the Philippines

You may issue:

Special Power of Attorney (SPA)

Your representative can:

schedule appointment
submit documents
receive the clearance

✔ Visiting the Philippine Embassy or Consulate

Some embassies allow:

fingerprinting
document authentication
verification assistance

The embassy may:

guide you through online NPCS
authenticate your clearance after issuance

✔ Doing the process upon vacation (home leave)

Many OFWs process documents when returning to the Philippines for vacation or contract renewal.

How Much Police Clearance Costs for Overseas Workers

Typical fee:

₱150 + convenience fee

Additional expenses might include:

embassy authentication fee
courier or mailing fees
SPA notarization (if using a representative)

Still, it remains one of the most affordable legal documents.

Validity of Police Clearance for Overseas Workers

Police clearance is normally valid for:

six (6) months to one (1) year

However, embassies or employers may require:

recent copy (issued within 3–6 months)

Always check your agency’s requirement.

What is HIT Status in Police Clearance?

A HIT result appears when your name matches someone with:

ongoing criminal case
pending warrant
similar name under investigation

This does not automatically mean you are guilty.
It simply means the system needs manual verification.

What to do if you get HIT

wait for text/email notification
return for interview or verification
provide additional identification
submit affidavits if required

Once cleared, your certificate will be issued.

Common Problems Overseas Workers Face and How to Solve Them

🔴 Issue 1 – No valid IDs

Solution: Secure IDs such as UMID, Driver’s License, or Passport before applying.

🔴 Issue 2 – Mismatched names

Happens due to:

missing middle name
maiden vs married name
spelling variations

Solution: Use consistent legal name as written on PSA documents.

🔴 Issue 3 – Already abroad and unable to appear

Solution options:

authorize representative through SPA
apply during vacation
seek embassy assistance

🔴 Issue 4 – Appointment slots unavailable

Solution:

check multiple nearby police stations
book early morning slots
avoid peak seasons (graduation, hiring surges)

Tips to Fast-Track Police Clearance Application

apply weeks before target submission date
schedule appointment early morning
double-check data before final submission
wear presentable clothing
bring extra photocopies of IDs
keep digital backup of your clearance

Is Police Clearance Enough for Overseas Work?

Sometimes yes — sometimes no.

Overseas workers may also need:

NBI Clearance
PSA birth certificate
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Passport
Medical exam clearance
POEA/DMW requirements

Always verify with your agency or embassy what exactly is required.

Conclusion

Police clearance is a vital document for Filipinos seeking opportunities abroad. It verifies your identity, confirms your good moral standing, and completes important employment and immigration requirements. Whether you are in the Philippines or already overseas, there are convenient ways to apply through online systems, representatives, or embassies.

By understanding how overseas workers can get police clearance in the Philippines, preparing your IDs, and following the proper process, you can secure your clearance smoothly and continue your journey toward a better career overseas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get police clearance while working abroad?

Yes. You can authorize a representative or seek assistance from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

2. How long is police clearance valid for overseas workers?

Usually 6 months to 1 year, depending on employer or embassy requirement.

3. Is police clearance required for all overseas jobs?

Most agencies require it, but some countries ask instead for NBI clearance or local foreign police certificates.

4. Can I get police clearance online without going to the police station?

You can register and pay online, but biometric capture still requires personal appearance or authorized processing.

5. What if my police clearance shows HIT?

You will need additional verification before release; once cleared, your certificate will be issued.