What’s the Best Way to Sign Up for Rakuten Mobile as a Foreigner in Japan?
If you’re a foreign resident in Japan looking to switch your phone plan, Rakuten Mobile is one of the most attractive options available — with unlimited data at just ¥3,278 per month (tax included). But before you sign up, there’s an important question worth asking: which signup route gives you the most points?
Rakuten Mobile offers several ways to join, and the difference in bonus points between them is significant. This guide compares the standard campaign, the “Rakuten Friends” referral option, and the employee referral campaign — so you can make the most informed decision before committing.
Overview: Three Ways to Sign Up for Rakuten Mobile
Before diving into comparisons, let’s clarify what each signup path actually means.
1. Standard Campaign (No Referral)
This is the default route if you go directly to the Rakuten Mobile website or visit a store without any referral link. The current standard campaign offers:
- 13,000 points for MNP (Mobile Number Portability — switching from another carrier)
- Fewer points for new number signup
This is a solid offer on its own, but it’s not the best available.
2. Rakuten Friends (Referral from an Existing Customer)
“Rakuten Friends” typically refers to referrals made by existing Rakuten Mobile subscribers who share a personal invite link with friends or family. The structure is similar to the employee referral, but the bonus amounts can vary depending on the individual’s referral campaign terms.
3. Employee Referral Campaign
This is a special referral system through which Rakuten employees (or affiliated partners) can refer new users. The key advantage here is the guaranteed bonus point amounts that are higher than the standard campaign.
Using the employee referral link:
- 14,000 points for MNP (carrier switch)
- 11,000 points for new number signup
Side-by-Side Comparison: Points by Signup Method
| Signup Method | MNP Points | New Signup Points |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Campaign | 13,000 pts | Varies |
| Rakuten Friends (peer referral) | Varies | Varies |
| Employee Referral | 14,000 pts | 11,000 pts |
The employee referral campaign stands out clearly: it gives you 1,000 extra points over the standard MNP campaign, and a reliable, fixed bonus for new signups as well.
For many foreigners in Japan, especially those making a deliberate choice to switch carriers, these extra points make a real difference — particularly when you’re already managing expenses in a new country.
Why the Employee Referral Campaign Is the Better Option for Most Foreigners
Higher Points, No Extra Steps Required
The employee referral doesn’t require you to know a Rakuten employee personally. You simply need to access the signup page through a valid employee referral URL. That’s it — the rest of the application process is identical to signing up normally.
You can use this employee referral link to access the campaign: https://r10.to/henTIE
Fixed, Guaranteed Amounts
Unlike peer-to-peer friend referrals (which can vary depending on whose link you use and current promotions), the employee referral campaign has clearly defined point values. You know exactly what you’re getting before you apply.
Works for Both MNP and New Signups
Whether you’re switching from SoftBank, docomo, au, or another carrier, or signing up with a brand new number, the employee referral campaign has a competitive offer for you:
- Switching carriers (MNP): 14,000 Rakuten Points
- New number signup: 11,000 Rakuten Points
Understanding How Rakuten Points Are Paid Out
One thing to understand clearly before signing up: Rakuten Points from the referral campaign are not paid out all at once.
Point Payment Schedule
Points are distributed in 3 installments, starting from 4 months after the month you completed the referral login. Here’s how that typically looks:
- 1st installment – Month 4 after your referral login month
- 2nd installment – Month 5
- 3rd installment – Month 6
This staggered payout is standard across Rakuten’s referral campaigns. It’s not unique to the employee referral, but it’s worth knowing so you’re not expecting a lump sum on day one.
If you’re planning your budget around these points — for example, using them toward monthly bills, Rakuten Ichiba shopping, or Rakuten Pay — just factor in this timeline.
How to Apply via the Employee Referral Link
The application process is straightforward, and you can complete it online or at a store.
Online Application
- Click the employee referral link: https://r10.to/henTIE
- Choose your plan (Rakuten Saikyou Plan — ¥3,278/month for unlimited data)
- Select whether you’re doing MNP or new signup
- Enter your Rakuten ID (or create one if you don’t have it)
- Provide your identification documents (My Number Card, Residence Card, etc.)
- Complete the application
For foreigners in Japan, the most commonly accepted ID is your Residence Card (在留カード) along with your My Number Card if available. Rakuten Mobile is generally accessible to foreign residents with valid status of residence.
Prefer to Apply In-Store?
If you’d rather complete the process face-to-face — which can be reassuring when navigating a mobile contract in a second language — you can also apply at a Rakuten Mobile shop. For detailed guidance on how to use an employee referral when applying at a physical store, see this helpful walkthrough: Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral In-Store Application: How to Apply at a Shop [2026 Guide].
About the Rakuten Saikyou Plan: Is It Worth It for Foreigners?
Plan Overview
Rakuten Mobile’s main plan — the Rakuten Saikyou Plan — is priced at ¥3,278 per month (tax included) and includes:
- Unlimited data (no throttling on the Rakuten network)
- Free domestic calls via the Rakuten Link app
- Access to Rakuten’s growing 5G network across Japan
For foreigners who rely heavily on messaging apps, video calls home, or streaming services, the unlimited data plan is genuinely useful. There are no tiered data options to worry about — you pay one flat rate.
Rakuten Link App for Free Calls
One feature especially worth knowing about: the Rakuten Link app enables free unlimited domestic calls within Japan, including to landlines. If you’re making regular calls to Japanese offices, schools, hospitals, or local services, this can be a significant monthly saving.
For a full breakdown of how this works, check out the Rakuten Link App Complete Guide – Free Calls for Foreigners in Japan.
Can You Refer Others After Signing Up?
Yes — and this is one of the appealing aspects of the Rakuten Mobile ecosystem. Once you’re a subscriber, you can refer others using your own referral link. Each successful referral also earns you points.
The employee referral system allows up to 5 lines per person, so if you have family members or housemates who are also considering switching, it may be possible to coordinate and maximize benefits across multiple lines.
Common Questions from Foreigners Considering Rakuten Mobile
Do I need a Japanese bank account to sign up?
Yes, you’ll need a Japanese bank account or a Japanese credit card for billing. Most foreign residents who have been in Japan for some time will have one of these. Rakuten Bank is also an option if you don’t yet have a Japanese bank account with a major bank.
Is the application available in English?
Rakuten Mobile’s website and app are primarily in Japanese, though some support materials exist in other languages. If you’re confident navigating online forms in Japanese (or with the help of a translation tool), the online application is manageable. In-store application with a staff member is also an option.
What ID do I need?
Foreign residents can typically use:
- Residence Card (在留カード) — most commonly accepted
- My Number Card (マイナンバーカード)
- Passport (in combination with another document)
Requirements may vary slightly, so confirming directly with Rakuten Mobile before visiting a store is recommended.
What about eSIM?
Rakuten Mobile supports eSIM, which is useful for foreigners who want to keep an existing SIM active (for example, a home country SIM) while using Rakuten Mobile in Japan. eSIM setup is available during the online application process.
Summary: Which Option Should You Choose?
If you’re a foreign resident in Japan deciding how to sign up for Rakuten Mobile, here’s the bottom line:
- Standard signup gives you 13,000 points for MNP — decent, but not optimal
- Peer friend referrals can vary and aren’t always reliable in terms of point amounts
- Employee referral gives you the highest guaranteed bonus: 14,000 points for MNP, 11,000 points for new signup, with a clear 3-installment payout schedule
Unless you have a specific reason to go through another route, the employee referral campaign is simply the better deal — and it requires no extra effort on your part beyond using the right link.
Ready to Apply?
If you’ve decided that Rakuten Mobile is right for you — or you just want to lock in the best available points before signing up — you can access the employee referral campaign directly here:
👉 Apply via Employee Referral Link (14,000 pts for MNP)
Take your time reviewing the plan details on the page, compare it with your current plan, and apply when you’re ready. There’s no pressure — the link will take you to the campaign page where everything is clearly laid out.
Switching phone plans in a foreign country can feel like a hassle, but Rakuten Mobile’s online application process is relatively straightforward, and the potential savings — both on monthly costs and through points earned — make it worth considering.