How to Apply for Rakuten Mobile via Employee Referral Link Step by Step
Thinking about switching your phone plan in Japan? If you’ve been researching Rakuten Mobile, you may have come across the term “employee referral.” This guide walks you through exactly how to apply for Rakuten Mobile using an employee referral link — step by step — and explains why it’s one of the smartest ways to sign up, especially if you’re switching from another carrier.
What Is the Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral Campaign?
Rakuten Mobile runs an employee referral program where current Rakuten employees share a special referral link with friends, family, and acquaintances. When you sign up through that link, both you and the employee receive bonus Rakuten Points.
Here’s what makes this particularly attractive:
- MNP (carrier switch): You receive 14,000 Rakuten Points
- New number signup: You receive 11,000 Rakuten Points
Compare that to the standard campaign available to the general public, which offers 13,000 points for MNP — the employee referral gives you 1,000 extra points on top of that. It’s a small but meaningful bonus just for using the right link.
If you’re already weighing your options, check out this overview of Rakuten Mobile vs Docomo au Softbank Price Comparison for Foreigners in Japan to understand how the pricing stacks up before you commit.
Why This Matters: The Plan Itself
Before diving into the steps, it helps to understand what you’re signing up for.
Rakuten Mobile’s main plan costs ¥3,278 per month (tax included) and includes completely unlimited data with no speed throttling based on usage. For foreign residents in Japan who rely on mobile data — for maps, translation apps, video calls home, or remote work — this flat-rate unlimited plan is genuinely hard to beat.
There’s no complicated tiered system to figure out. You pay one price, you get unlimited data. Simple.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply via Employee Referral Link
Step 1: Access the Employee Referral Link
This is the most important step. You must start your application by clicking the employee referral link before you do anything else on the Rakuten Mobile website.
Use this referral link to get started: 👉 https://r10.to/henTIE
Do not go directly to the Rakuten Mobile homepage first. If you navigate there independently and then try to apply, the referral bonus will not be tracked correctly. Always begin with the referral link.
Step 2: Choose Your Application Type
Once you land on the Rakuten Mobile page via the referral link, you’ll be prompted to choose how you want to sign up:
- MNP (番号移行 / Number Portability): You’re keeping your current phone number and switching from another carrier such as SoftBank, docomo, or au. This earns you 14,000 points.
- New Number (新規申し込み): You’re getting a brand new phone number. This earns you 11,000 points.
For most people switching from an existing plan, MNP is the right choice. If you’re coming from SoftBank specifically, you may find this guide useful: Switching from SoftBank to Rakuten Mobile: Pros, Cons & Complete Guide for Foreign Residents in Japan.
Step 3: Log In or Create a Rakuten Account
You’ll need a Rakuten account (楽天ID) to proceed. If you already shop on Rakuten Ichiba or use Rakuten Pay, you likely have one. Simply log in.
If you don’t have an account yet, you can create one during the application process. It only takes a few minutes and requires a valid email address.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Before completing your application, gather the following:
- Residence card (在留カード / Zairyu Card): Required for identity verification as a foreign resident
- Current carrier’s MNP reservation number (MNP予約番号): Required only if you’re doing MNP. You can request this from your current carrier via their app, website, or customer service line. It typically expires in 15 days, so request it just before you apply.
- Payment method: Credit or debit card, or you can set up bank transfer (口座振替)
- Compatible SIM-unlocked smartphone: Make sure your device is unlocked and compatible with Rakuten Mobile’s network (Band 3 / Band 18 support recommended)
Step 5: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill in your personal details as prompted:
- Name (as listed on your residence card)
- Address
- Date of birth
- Contact phone number
The form is available in Japanese, but many of the fields are straightforward. If you need help navigating the Japanese interface, using a browser with auto-translation enabled (such as Chrome) can make this much easier.
Step 6: eKYC Identity Verification
Rakuten Mobile uses eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification, which means you verify your identity digitally using your smartphone camera. You’ll be asked to:
- Take a photo of your residence card (front and back)
- Take a selfie or short video to confirm it matches
This step is usually completed within a few minutes and is entirely done through the Rakuten Mobile app or browser interface.
Step 7: SIM or eSIM Delivery
After your application is approved, you choose between:
- Physical SIM card: Shipped to your registered address, typically arrives within 2–3 business days
- eSIM: Available instantly after approval if your device supports it — great if you want to start using Rakuten Mobile right away
If you’re switching via MNP, your number will transfer over once you activate the new SIM and complete the switch in the app.
Step 8: Activate Your SIM and Log Into the Rakuten Link App
Once your SIM arrives or your eSIM is set up, activate it through the My Rakuten Mobile app. After activation, download and log into the Rakuten Link app — this is important because Rakuten Link is used for free domestic calls and is tied to your point eligibility.
When Will You Receive Your Points?
This is a common question, so it’s worth being clear:
Points are not paid immediately. They are distributed in 3 installments, beginning 4 months after the month in which the referral link was accessed.
For example, if you clicked the referral link in May, your first installment would arrive in September. The remaining two installments follow in subsequent months. Make sure to keep your line active during this period, as canceling early may disqualify you from receiving remaining points.
If you’re trying to figure out the ideal timing for your switch, this article breaks it down clearly: Best Time to Switch to Rakuten Mobile Using Employee Referral – When Is It Really Worth It?
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Each person can apply up to 5 lines using the same referral link, so if you want to switch your whole family, one link covers everyone
- The referral bonus is available to new Rakuten Mobile subscribers only — existing users are not eligible
- Always start the application from the referral link to ensure the bonus is properly tracked
Ready to Apply?
The process is straightforward once you know what to expect. As a foreign resident in Japan, switching to Rakuten Mobile’s unlimited plan at ¥3,278/month — and picking up 14,000 points in the process if you’re doing MNP — is a genuinely good deal.
When you’re ready to get started, use the employee referral link below to make sure you’re getting the maximum bonus available: