Is a Health Certificate Mandatory Before Going to the NBI and BIR?

Before heading to any government office in the Philippines, knowing the latest requirements saves time and frustration. A common question people ask is: “Do I need a health certificate before going to the NBI or BIR?” The short answer: No, a health certificate is generally not mandatory but there are a few situations where it might be required.

Whether you’re applying for an NBI Clearance or registering for a TIN ID, understanding the proper steps, documents, and updated health protocols can make your visit smoother. Here’s what you need to know.

Health Certificate: When Is It Needed?

A health certificate is an official document issued by a licensed physician stating that a person is physically fit or free from communicable diseases. It is commonly used in the Philippines for employment, travel, and specific licensing purposes.

For general public transactions like getting an NBI clearance or registering at the BIR, it is not a standard requirement. However, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain LGUs and agencies temporarily required health clearances or medical certificates. As of 2025, most of these restrictions have been lifted.

That said, there are cases where it may still be required:

• If you’re applying under special employment clearances (e.g., working abroad)
• If you’re applying through an agency that has its own requirements
• If you’re attending a government-organized job fair requiring multiple documents

NBI Clearance: Standard Requirements (No Health Certificate Needed)

The NBI Clearance is a key document for employment, travel, and legal identification in the Philippines. The good news is that you don’t need a health certificate to get one.

Regular NBI Clearance requirements:

• A valid government-issued ID (e.g., UMID, passport, driver’s license)
• NBI online appointment confirmation
• Reference number from your online application

As long as you’re not applying for a specialized type of clearance such as for overseas employment you won’t be asked for a health certificate.

To make your application more efficient, the NBI has made the process accessible via the internet. You can now conveniently apply for NBI clearance online by selecting your preferred schedule and paying the necessary fees digitally. This innovation eliminates the need to queue for hours and reduces unnecessary physical contact.

Does the BIR Require a Health Certificate for TIN Registration?

Like the NBI, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) does not usually ask for a health certificate when registering for a Tax Identification Number (TIN). The TIN is a crucial part of your identity as a taxpayer and is required whether you’re employed, self-employed, or setting up a business.

Standard BIR TIN ID Requirements:

• Valid government-issued ID
• Accomplished BIR Form 1902 or 1904
• Birth certificate (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Employer’s certificate of employment (if employed)

None of the current forms or checklists issued by the BIR indicate that a health certificate is needed. However, certain individuals like self-employed professionals applying for permits may still be asked to show additional clearances depending on local ordinances.

For convenience, many Filipinos are now choosing to begin their TIN ID registration online, especially when getting a digital appointment or pre-filing documents.

COVID-19 Health Protocols (2025 Update)

Although health certificates are no longer mandatory, some locations still implement general health guidelines to ensure safety. Here’s what you might still encounter:

• Temperature checks at entrances
• Mask mandates inside offices (varies per LGU)
• Alcohol or sanitization stations
• Health declaration forms (digital or paper)

While these aren’t substitutes for a full health certificate, they’re part of post-pandemic safety measures still observed in crowded places like government offices.

Exceptions: When a Health Certificate Might Be Requested

There are limited scenarios in which a health certificate may be requested:

• Foreign nationals applying for clearances for residency or employment
• Applicants with health-sensitive jobs (e.g., food handlers, healthcare workers)
• Local government rules that temporarily mandate medical screening for certain populations

It’s always a good idea to call the local branch of the NBI or BIR you’re visiting to verify if any special requirements apply in your region.

You do not need a health certificate to go to the NBI or BIR for most regular applications. While there may be occasional exceptions like applying for work abroad or job fairs the standard processes for NBI clearance and TIN registration are straightforward and don’t include a medical check.

Government agencies continue to modernize, making online pre-registration the new normal. Whether it’s for tax purposes or legal documentation, your best strategy is to start online, check official requirements, and show up prepared.