Japan: Hague Apostille member since 1970
DFA apostille accepted — no embassy legalisation
750,000+ Filipinos in Japan
English NBI generally accepted
When is an NBI Clearance required for Japan?
Japan's Immigration Services Agency (ISA) and the Embassy of Japan in Manila may request an NBI Clearance as a criminal-background document for several visa categories. The most common cases for Filipino OFW are:
- Spouse of Japanese National (日本人の配偶者等) — marriage-based visa; NBI Clearance with DFA apostille is a standard supporting document
- Specified Skilled Worker / SSW (特定技能 Tokutei Gino) — sectors include nursing care, construction, food service, accommodation, agriculture and manufacturing
- Technical Intern Training Program / TITP (技能実習) — required by most accredited sending organisations (SSO) as a pre-departure document
- EPA Nursing / Caregiver — Japan–Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) placement requires comprehensive background documentation
- Entertainment (興行) — singers, musicians, dancers and other performers working with Japanese agencies
- Engineer / Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務) — white-collar work visa when applying through the Embassy in Manila
Always confirm exact requirements with the Embassy of Japan in Manila or your POEA/DMW-accredited sending organisation before starting the process.
Japan accepts DFA apostille
Japan acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention in 1970 — one of the earliest members. A DFA-apostilled NBI Clearance is the correct and accepted form of authentication for Japan. No additional embassy legalisation is required.
| Country | Hague member | Authentication needed |
|---|
| Japan | Yes (since 1970) | DFA apostille only |
| Australia | Yes | DFA apostille only |
| Korea | Yes (since 1997) | DFA apostille only |
| UAE | Yes (since 2021) | DFA apostille only |
| Saudi Arabia | No | DFA authentication + embassy legalisation |
| Israel | No | DFA authentication + embassy legalisation |
Does the NBI Clearance need a Japanese translation?
The NBI Clearance is issued in English. For most visa applications at the Embassy of Japan in Manila, the English original with DFA apostille is accepted without a Japanese translation. If you are submitting the document inside Japan — for example, for a change-of-status application at a regional immigration office — a certified Japanese translation (翻訳業者) may be required. Confirm with the receiving authority before having a translation prepared.
Key Japan visa categories for Filipinos
Specified Skilled Worker — SSW / Tokutei Gino (特定技能)
Introduced in 2019, the SSW programme allows Filipinos to work in Japan in 12 designated sectors — nursing care, construction, shipbuilding, food service, accommodation, agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing and more — without a specific degree, provided they pass a skills evaluation test and Japanese Language Proficiency (JLPT N4 level or equivalent). For applications originating from the Philippines, NBI Clearance with DFA apostille is typically required by the Embassy or the accredited sending organisation (SSO). POEA/DMW accreditation of the SSO is mandatory for legitimate deployment.
SSW Sector 1: Nursing Care
Certified caregivers with JLPT N4 + Care Skills Evaluation Test. Distinct from EPA caregiver pathway.
SSW Sector 2: Construction
Construction workers and supervisors. Skills evaluation and language tests required.
SSW Sector 3: Food Service & Manufacturing
Food manufacturing and restaurant service — high demand sectors.
Technical Intern Training Program — TITP (技能実習)
The TITP has placed hundreds of thousands of Filipino workers in Japan in manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, construction and food processing. The programme is being transitioned to a new "Ikusei Shuro" (育成就労) framework from 2027 onwards with stronger worker protections. NBI Clearance with DFA apostille is a standard pre-departure requirement alongside OWWA membership and an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate).
EPA Nursing and Caregiver
The Japan–Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) creates a dedicated pathway for Filipino registered nurses and certified caregivers. Candidates are placed in Japanese medical and welfare facilities and must pass the Japanese national nurse or caregiver board exam within a set period. Background documentation — including NBI Clearance — is managed through JICWELS (Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services) and is rigorously checked.
Spouse of Japanese National (日本人の配偶者等)
Filipinos married to Japanese nationals apply for the "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" residence status. The Embassy of Japan in Manila requires NBI Clearance with DFA apostille alongside a PSA marriage certificate (also with DFA apostille). Both documents must be valid at the time of application and, in many cases, also valid at the visa interview or certificate-of-eligibility submission stage.
Entertainment Visa (興行ビザ)
Filipino singers, musicians, dancers and other performers working in Japan need an Entertainment visa. This has historically been a major route for Filipinos in Japan's hospitality sector. An NBI Clearance may be required by the sponsoring Japanese entertainment company or talent agency, and by the Embassy during the visa application process.
Process and timeline
1
NBI Clearance — Apply online via nbi.gov.ph (renewal) or first-time system. Biometrics at an NBI office. Processing: 1–5 business days after biometrics. If a HIT (name-match review) is triggered, allow 2–4 extra weeks.
2
DFA Apostille — Submit original NBI Clearance to the DFA Office of Consular Affairs. Standard: 7–10 business days. Expedited available for urgent cases.
3
International delivery — Apostilled original shipped to Japan or your preferred address via EMS / courier tracking. Delivery: 3–7 business days.
| Step | Estimated time | Notes |
|---|
| NBI Clearance (no HIT) | 1–5 business days | Allow 2–4 extra weeks if HIT triggered |
| DFA Apostille | 7–10 business days | Expedited available |
| Delivery to Japan | 3–7 business days | EMS / DHL tracked |
| Total (typical) | 3–5 weeks | Allow 8+ weeks with a fixed visa deadline |
SSW (Tokutei Gino) — 12 designated sectors
The Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能, SSW) visa is currently one of the most important routes for Filipino workers to Japan. As of 2024, the program covers 12 designated sectors (expanded from the original 14 under sector mergers):
- Nursing care / Kaigo (介護)
- Building cleaning management
- Machine parts and tooling industries
- Industrial machinery industry
- Electric, electronics and information industries
- Construction
- Shipbuilding and ship machinery industry
- Automobile repair and maintenance
- Aviation
- Accommodation
- Agriculture
- Fishery and aquaculture
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Food service industry
SSW Category 1 (最長5年) allows work in the above sectors after passing skills and Japanese language tests (JLPT N4 minimum for most sectors). SSW Category 2 (無期限更新可能) allows longer-term residence and family accompaniment for most sectors, and does not require a Japanese language test at the N4 level in all sectors.
The NBI Clearance with DFA apostille is typically required as part of the SSW pre-departure processing through your accredited sending organisation (ASO) in the Philippines.
EPA caregiver pathway vs SSW Kaigo
There are two distinct pathways for Filipino caregivers to work in Japan, and they have different documentation requirements:
- EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) Caregiver — candidates must hold a Philippine nursing or caregiving licence, be selected through the DOLE-JICWELS matching process, and complete Japanese language training (JLPT N3 required within the 4-year EPA period to remain and work). This is a government-to-government program with quota limits. NBI Clearance is required in the pre-departure package.
- SSW Category 1 Kaigo (介護) — candidates must pass the JLPT N4 and the Kaigo skills test. This route is more flexible than EPA and does not require a prior nursing qualification. NBI Clearance with DFA apostille is required through the ASO.
The EPA route is competitive and heavily regulated but provides structured language training support. The SSW Kaigo route is more accessible for those who pass the required tests independently.
Common mistakes for Japan applications
- Not having a valid NBI Clearance at the Embassy appointment — The Embassy of Japan in Manila requires documentation at the visa interview; an expired or pending NBI Clearance will delay your application. Obtain the clearance and apostille at least 4 weeks before your scheduled Embassy appointment.
- Confusing EPA and SSW tracks — EPA and SSW are separate programs with different operators, language requirements and timelines. Applying through an ASO that handles SSW is different from the DOLE-JICWELS EPA selection process. Confirm which pathway your agency and employer are using.
- Not renewing when already in Japan — If you are already in Japan on a visa and need to renew your NBI Clearance (e.g. for a change of status, spouse visa, or renewal of SSW status), you can renew from Japan. A service handles the Philippines-side pickup and DFA apostille, and ships the document to your Japan address.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an NBI Clearance for a Japan work visa?
It depends on the visa type. NBI Clearance is commonly required for spouse-of-Japanese visas, SSW (Tokutei Gino), TITP, EPA caregiver and entertainment visas when applying through the Embassy of Japan in Manila. Confirm the specific requirements with the Embassy or your accredited sending organisation.
Does Japan accept a DFA apostille?
Yes. Japan has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 1970. A DFA-apostilled NBI Clearance is the correct authentication for Japan — no embassy legalisation is required.
Does the NBI Clearance need to be translated into Japanese?
For most Japan visa applications at the Embassy in Manila, the English NBI Clearance with DFA apostille is accepted. If submitting inside Japan for a change-of-status, a certified Japanese translation may be required. Confirm with the specific immigration office.
What is SSW / Tokutei Gino and does it require NBI?
The Specified Skilled Worker visa (特定技能) allows Filipinos to work in Japan in 12 designated sectors without a specific degree, by passing skills and Japanese language tests. NBI Clearance with DFA apostille is typically required during the application or pre-departure process through your accredited sending organisation.
How long does the apostilled NBI Clearance take?
Allow 3–5 weeks total: NBI Clearance (1–5 days) + DFA apostille (7–10 days) + delivery to Japan (3–7 days). Start at least 8 weeks before a fixed deadline to allow for HIT name-match delays.
Can you handle the NBI Clearance while I am in Japan?
Yes. We handle everything remotely — NBI application, biometrics coordination in the Philippines, DFA apostille and international delivery to Japan. No trip to the Philippines required.
Does the Entertainment visa require an NBI Clearance?
Yes. The Entertainment visa (興行) for performers — singers, dancers, musicians and stage artists — requires NBI Clearance through the Embassy of Japan in Manila as part of the application documentation. Obtaining the clearance and DFA apostille before submitting the visa application is strongly advisable to avoid delays. Entertainment visa applicants must also be accredited by a TESDA-certified training institution and deployed through a POEA-registered agency.
Can I obtain or renew my NBI Clearance while already living in Japan?
Yes. If you have a previous NBI record, the clearance can be renewed online at nbi.gov.ph from Japan. A representative or service in the Philippines handles in-person pickup, DFA apostille, and ships the document to your Japan address via international courier. Allow 3–5 weeks. For first-time NBI applicants with no existing record, biometric registration at an NBI office in the Philippines is typically required — consult your ASO or the Embassy of the Philippines in Tokyo.
Is there a Japanese equivalent of the NBI Clearance, or must I use the Philippine document?
The Japanese immigration system requires a foreign national's home-country police certificate for Japanese visa applications — not a Japan-issued document. The NBI Clearance is the Philippines' official police clearance certificate and is the document required by the Embassy of Japan in Manila. It is issued in English by the NBI and needs DFA apostille for Japan submissions. A Japanese police record (犯罪経歴証明書) is only issued for Japanese nationals or foreign nationals with prior residence in Japan, and does not substitute for the NBI Clearance for Philippine-origin character documentation.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Immigration requirements can change — verify with the Embassy of Japan in Manila, Immigration Services Agency, or your accredited sending organisation. We are a private document-procurement service and are not affiliated with the NBI, DFA, Embassy of Japan, Immigration Services Agency, or any government agency.