Criminal record certificate from the Philippines for a Spanish nationality file: who issues it and how long it stays valid
What the official pages of the Philippines and of Spain say about the criminal record certificate: who issues it, how to ask for it from Spain, cost and time where they are stated, and how long it counts for your file, with a source under every line. Reading this page is free.
Validity clock: your dates, worked out
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How we count
Months and years end on the same day number, or on the last day of the month if there is no such day; they start the day after the date you give. A deadline that ends on a weekend moves to the next working day. Document validity is not moved: the date shown is the last day it stays valid, even on a weekend. Days are working days unless a law says otherwise.
Where is my file? With your application number, follow it on the Ministry's website: Ministry of Justice: nationality by residence
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Your documents with their dates, the order to ask for them, every deadline in one calendar file, two letters already drafted and twenty-five checks before you file. It uses the same sourced rules as this page, organised for your own file.
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In short
- Criminal record: The NBI issues the clearance, your fingerprints are taken at the Philippine Embassy in Madrid, and we found no official validity period; Spain counts six months from issue where none is stated.
Each line sums up a section below. The sources are in that section.
Last checked: 19 October 2026. Check the official page: sede.mjusticia.gob.es.
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1. Criminal record certificate
The Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) apostille requirements list the NBI clearance as an original document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) with dry seal and verifiable online.[1]
The NBI's page for applicants who are abroad says to secure the NBI Clearance Application Form (Form No. 5) from the Philippine Embassy or consular office.[2]
The Philippine Embassy in Madrid says its consular staff will take your fingerprints and provide a certification for you to send to the NBI.[3] It also says that, outside Madrid and Barcelona, you may do the fingerprint card at the honorary consulate nearest to you.[4]
After the form is completed, the NBI says you may send it by mail or through a designated representative.[5] For the mailed application the NBI page lists two hundred pesos (P200.00) or its US dollar equivalent, made up of a clearance fee of one hundred thirty pesos and seventy pesos for mailing cost.[6]
In its paragraph on renewals, the Embassy's NBI page says authorised representatives should bring their authorisation letter or Special Power of Attorney and a valid ID.[7]
The NBI's Citizen's Charter handbook lists, for applicants residing abroad, a fingerprint card (Form No. 5) with the applicant's current address abroad from the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate Office.[8] It lists PHP 130.00 for the clearance application fee and PHP 30.00 more as an electronic payment convenience fee,[9] and says to get a reference number online using a Philippine mobile number for a one-time password.[10]
Two NBI texts, two timings. For the designated-representative route, the NBI's page for applicants abroad says processing takes a maximum of five working days upon receipt of documents,[11] while its "Important information" note says a maximum of five days upon receipt of documents.[12] The Citizen's Charter handbook gives a total of PHP 160.00 and 8 working days, 52 minutes and 38 seconds for one of its routes.[13] The texts give different fees and times: ask the NBI which applies. The NBI page also says all applications from abroad are processed only at the NBI Clearance Building in Ermita, Manila.[14]
Spain asks for the criminal record certificate of the country of origin, legalised and translated.[17]
Sources (17)
Next steps
When to see a lawyer
- A document is refused and you do not know why.
- Your names are spelled differently in your documents.
- A required document cannot be obtained.
- You are near a deadline.
These are general triggers, not an assessment of your case. A lawyer should confirm what applies to you. CiviqPass does not name or recommend a lawyer.
The nationality file, step by step
Years to Spanish nationality by country
Where is my Spanish nationality file? The official ways to check it
The Spanish nationality oath (jura): what to bring and where to do it
Years, exams and fee for Spanish nationality by country of origin: open data
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Explanation written with AI from the official source cited on this page.
CiviqPass is an independent service. Built from the texts linked beside each line; procedures change, so confirm on the official pages.