Police Clearance Requirements for Opening a Restaurant in Philippines
Starting a restaurant in the Philippines is an exciting venture, but knowing the legal requirements can be overwhelming. One crucial document you’ll need is a police clearance . Whether you’re opening a small café or a full-service restaurant, understanding Police clearance online requirements will save you time and help you avoid delays in your business launch.
Why Police Clearance is Required for Restaurant Owners
Police clearance is a mandatory requirement when applying for business permits in the Philippines. Local Government Units (LGUs) require this document to ensure that business owners and key personnel have no criminal records that could pose risks to public safety, especially in food service establishments.
The clearance serves multiple purposes:
- Business permit application – Required by the Mayor’s Office
- Sanitary permit compliance – Health departments verify background checks
- Employee hiring – Staff handling food must have clean records
- Bank loan applications – Financial institutions require it for business loans
- Franchise agreements – Many food franchises mandate clearance for franchisees
Types of Police Clearance Needed
1. NBI Clearance (National Bureau of Investigation)
The NBI clearance is the most commonly required document for restaurant business permits. It’s a national-level background check that verifies you have no criminal cases or pending warrants.
Who needs it:
- Business owner/proprietor
- Business partners (if applicable)
- General manager or operations manager
- Head chef or kitchen manager
2. Barangay Clearance
This is a local-level clearance issued by your barangay where the restaurant will operate. While not technically a “police clearance,” it confirms you’re a resident in good standing with no community violations.
3. Police Clearance (PNP)
Some LGUs require a Philippine National Police (PNP) clearance in addition to NBI clearance. This is issued by your local police station and serves as another layer of background verification.
How to Get NBI Clearance Online for Your Restaurant Business
The NBI has streamlined the clearance process through their online system. Here’s the complete step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Register Online
- Visit the official NBI Clearance website at clearance.nbi.gov.ph
- Click “Register Online” and create an account
- Fill in your personal information accurately
- Choose a strong password and verify your email
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
- Log in to your account
- Complete the application form with:
- Full name (as it appears on valid ID)
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Complete address
- Contact number and email
- Purpose: Select “Local Employment” or “Business Application”
Step 3: Schedule Your Appointment
- Select your preferred NBI branch (choose one near your restaurant location)
- Pick an available date and time slot
- Confirm your appointment and take note of the reference number
Step 4: Pay the Processing Fee
- Fee: ₱155 (as of 2025)
- Payment options:
- Online payment via credit/debit card
- Payment centers (7-Eleven, Bayad Center, SM Payment Centers)
- Online banking and e-wallets
Step 5: Visit the NBI Branch
On your appointment date:
- Bring valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, postal ID, or SSS/UMID)
- Bring your reference number and payment receipt
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Submit documents at the verification counter
- Have your photo and fingerprints taken
- Wait for initial clearance result
Step 6: Claiming Your Clearance
- With “hit” (name matches someone with a record): Wait 3-5 business days for manual verification, then return to claim
- No hit (clear): You can claim your clearance the same day, usually within 1-2 hours
Police Clearance Requirements for Restaurant Employees
It’s not just the owner who needs clearance. Many LGUs and health departments require certain restaurant employees to have NBI or police clearance:
Mandatory clearance for:
- Head chef and sous chefs
- Kitchen staff and food handlers
- Cashiers and front-of-house managers
- Delivery personnel (if employed directly)
Best practice: Require all employees to secure clearance during hiring to ensure smooth health permit renewals and surprise inspections.
Complete Document Checklist for Restaurant Business Permit
To streamline your business permit application, gather these documents alongside your police clearance:
Owner’s Documents:
- NBI Clearance
- Barangay Clearance
- Valid government ID
- TIN (Tax Identification Number)
- Proof of address
Business Documents:
- DTI Business Name Registration (for sole proprietorship) or SEC Registration (for corporation)
- Lease contract or proof of ownership of business location
- Barangay Business Permit
- Fire Safety Inspection Certificate
- Sanitary Permit from City Health Office
- Location clearance or zoning permit
For Food Service:
- Health certificates for food handlers
- Food safety training certificates
- Menu listing and business description
Timeline: When to Apply for Police Clearance
Planning your clearance application timeline is crucial for a smooth restaurant opening:
Recommended Timeline:
- 3-4 months before opening: Secure NBI clearance for owner and key personnel
- 2-3 months before opening: Apply for barangay clearance and other business permits
- 1-2 months before opening: Complete employee NBI clearances
- 2 weeks before opening: Final permit inspections and approvals
Note: NBI clearance is valid for 6 months to 1 year depending on the purpose. Plan renewals accordingly, especially if your business permit application takes longer than expected.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
Issue 1: “Hit” on NBI Clearance
If your name matches someone with a criminal record, your clearance will be marked for manual verification. This can delay processing by 1-2 weeks.
Solution: Apply early, at least 2 months before you need it. Bring any legal documents proving you’re not the person on record.
Issue 2: Expired Clearance
Police clearances expire, and LGUs won’t accept expired documents.
Solution: Check validity dates before submitting. Most NBI clearances for business purposes are valid for 6 months.
Issue 3: Name Discrepancies
If your business registration name doesn’t match your ID or clearance exactly, permits may be delayed.
Solution: Ensure all documents use your complete legal name consistently. If you’ve changed your name (marriage, legal name change), bring supporting documents.
Issue 4: Missing Employee Clearances
During sanitary permit renewal or surprise health inspections, missing employee clearances can result in warnings or fines.
Solution: Maintain a clearance file for all staff. Make it part of your hiring onboarding process.
Cost Breakdown for Police Clearance
Budget these costs when planning your restaurant opening:
| Document | Cost | Validity | Processing Time |
| NBI Clearance | ₱155 | 6-12 months | Same day to 5 days |
| Barangay Clearance | ₱50-₱200 | 1 year | 1-3 days |
| PNP Police Clearance | ₱100-₱150 | 6 months | 1-3 days |
Total per person: Approximately ₱305-₱505
For a small restaurant with 5 key personnel requiring clearance, budget around ₱1,500-₱2,500 for all police clearances.
Tips for Smooth Processing
- Apply online early in the morning – Appointment slots fill up quickly, especially in Metro Manila branches
- Use your legal name – Nicknames or shortened names cause verification issues
- Keep digital and physical copies – You’ll need copies for multiple government offices
- Check LGU-specific requirements – Some cities have additional clearance requirements beyond NBI
- Renew before expiration – Don’t wait until the last minute for renewals
- Consider a fixer only as last resort – While legal processing is straightforward, some business owners use document assistance services. Fees range from ₱500-₱1,500 extra per clearance
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I open a restaurant without police clearance? No. Police clearance (usually NBI) is mandatory for business permit applications in all Philippine cities and municipalities.
Q: How long is NBI clearance valid for business purposes? Typically 6 months to 1 year, depending on your LGU’s requirements. Check with your local business permit office.
Q: Do all my employees need NBI clearance? Not all, but food handlers, cashiers, and managerial staff typically do. Requirements vary by city. Check with your City Health Office for specific requirements.
Q: Can I use the same NBI clearance for multiple purposes? Yes, but ensure the “purpose” section on your clearance matches what you need it for. For restaurant business, “Local Employment” or “Business Permit” purposes work.
Q: What if I have a pending case? You may still get clearance, but it will indicate the pending case. Consult with your LGU some may still approve your permit depending on the nature of the case.
Q: Can foreigners get NBI clearance for restaurant business in PH? Yes, foreign nationals can apply for NBI clearance if they have valid Philippine visas and work permits. They’ll need their passport and visa documents.
Conclusion
Securing police clearance online is a straightforward but essential step in opening your restaurant in the Philippines. By applying for your NBI clearance online early, gathering all required documents, and ensuring your staff has the necessary clearances, you’ll avoid unnecessary delays and get your restaurant up and running smoothly.
Remember that compliance isn’t just about getting your doors open it’s about building a legitimate, trustworthy business that customers and authorities can have confidence in. Start your clearance applications at least 3 months before your planned opening date, stay organized with your documentation, and your dream restaurant will be serving customers before you know it.
