Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide]

If you’re a foreign resident in Japan thinking about switching your mobile plan, Rakuten Mobile is likely already on your radar. With unlimited data at a flat monthly rate and no hidden fees, it’s one of the most straightforward plans available. But did you know there’s a way to get even more points when you sign up — simply by using an employee referral link?

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Rakuten Mobile employee referral campaign: how many points you can earn, how and when they’re paid out, and exactly how to use the referral link to maximize your benefits.

What Is the Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral Campaign?

Rakuten Mobile runs a special campaign where existing employees can share a personal referral link with friends, family, or anyone interested in joining. When someone signs up through that link, both the new user and the referring employee benefit.

For new users, the key advantage is straightforward: you receive a larger point bonus compared to signing up without any referral at all.

This is different from the standard “friends referral” campaign that regular Rakuten Mobile users can share. The employee referral campaign tends to offer slightly better terms and is worth seeking out if you’re planning to sign up anyway.

How Many Points Can You Earn?

This is the part most people want to know right away. Here’s a clear breakdown:

MNP (Number Transfer / Carrier Switch)

Sign-Up Method	Points Earned
Normal campaign (no referral)	13,000 points
Employee referral link	14,000 points

Using an employee referral link when doing an MNP gives you 1,000 extra points compared to signing up through the regular campaign. That’s ¥1,000 worth of Rakuten Points simply for using the right link.

Sign-Up Method	Points Earned
Normal campaign (no referral)	Varies / lower
Employee referral link	11,000 points

If you’re signing up with a brand-new phone number (not switching from another carrier), you’ll receive 11,000 points through the employee referral link.

For most people considering a switch from docomo, au, SoftBank, or another carrier, the MNP route with 14,000 points is the better option — both financially and practically, since you keep your existing number.

What Is the Monthly Plan Cost?

Before diving deeper into the referral details, it’s worth confirming what you’re actually signing up for.

Rakuten Mobile offers a single unlimited data plan at:

¥3,278 per month (tax included)

This includes:

Unlimited data in Japan (on Rakuten’s network)
Free calls with the Rakuten Link app
No contract period, no cancellation fees
Roaming data included (with limits)

There’s no need to choose between tiers or worry about speed throttling at 1GB or 3GB like other carriers. One flat price, one unlimited plan.

For foreigners in Japan — especially those who need to stream content, use navigation apps, or stay connected with family overseas — this simplicity is a major advantage. If you’re curious about the call system in more detail, check out our Rakuten Mobile Free Call System Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide].

When Do You Receive the Points?

This is one area where many people get confused, so let’s be precise.

Point Payout Schedule

Points from the employee referral campaign are not paid all at once. They are distributed in 3 installments, starting 4 months after the referral login month.

Here’s an example to make this concrete:

You sign up and log into your Rakuten account in January 2026
Your point payout begins in May 2026 (4 months later)
Points are distributed in 3 equal installments across subsequent months

So if you receive 14,000 points for MNP, you might see something like:

1st installment: ~4,667 points
2nd installment: ~4,667 points
3rd installment: ~4,666 points

The exact split may vary slightly, but the total is guaranteed as long as you meet the campaign conditions.

Important: Don’t Cancel Early

Because points are paid out over several months, it’s important that you maintain your subscription during the payout period. Canceling before you receive all your installments could mean forfeiting unpaid points.

How to Use the Employee Referral Link

Using the referral link is simple. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Access the Referral Link

Click the employee referral link: 👉 https://r10.to/henTIE

This takes you to the official Rakuten Mobile sign-up page with the referral campaign automatically applied.

Step 2: Choose Your Application Method

You can apply:

Online — fastest and most convenient
In-store at a Rakuten Mobile shop — if you prefer in-person assistance (note: bring the referral link or URL with you)

For in-store applications using a referral link, the process has specific steps. See our detailed guide: Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral In-Store Application: How to Apply at a Shop [2026 Guide].

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

As a foreign resident in Japan, you’ll typically need:

Residence card (在留カード / Zairyu Card)
Passport
Credit card or payment method registered to your name
Your existing phone number (if doing MNP)

Step 4: Complete MNP Transfer (If Applicable)

If you’re switching from another carrier (MNP), you’ll need to request an MNP transfer number (MNP予約番号) from your current provider first. This is usually free and can be done online or by phone.

Make sure you log into your Rakuten account after completing sign-up. The referral campaign bonus is tied to your login activity during the referral month — so don’t skip this step.

Who Should Use This Referral Link?

The employee referral campaign is a good fit if:

You’re switching from another carrier (docomo, au, SoftBank, etc.) and want to maximize your MNP bonus
You’re a first-time Rakuten Mobile user with no previous line
You’re adding a new line for a family member (up to 5 lines per person can use a referral)
You want a simple, unlimited plan without complicated tier structures

If you’re currently on docomo or au and wondering whether the switch makes sense, our comparison guides may help: Rakuten Mobile Docomo Switch Demerits & Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide].

Referral Limit: Up to 5 Lines

One useful detail — a single employee referral link can be used for up to 5 lines per person. This means if you’re helping a partner or family members sign up, they can all use the same link and each receive the campaign points.

Each person who signs up through the link must meet the standard campaign conditions individually (new contract, eligible plan, etc.).

Employee Referral vs. Friends Referral: What’s the Difference?

You may have heard about the “friends referral” (お友達紹介) campaign that regular Rakuten Mobile subscribers can share. The employee referral is a separate, distinct campaign.

Key differences include point amounts and campaign availability — employee referrals often offer more points. For a detailed side-by-side comparison, see: Rakuten Mobile Friends vs Employee Referral: Complete Comparison Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners in Japan use the employee referral campaign?

Yes. As long as you have a valid residence card and meet the standard sign-up requirements, foreign residents can fully participate in the campaign and receive points.

Do I need a Japanese credit card?

Rakuten Mobile accepts some international credit cards, but a Japanese-issued card (or a card registered to your Rakuten account) is most reliable. If you have a Rakuten Card, that’s typically the smoothest option.

Can I use the referral link online or only in-store?

Both are possible. Online is generally faster. If you prefer in-store, make sure to mention the referral at the start of your consultation — don’t wait until the end.

Will the points expire?

Rakuten Points have an expiration date, so make sure to use them before they expire. Points are usually valid for a period after being issued — check your Rakuten account for specific dates once they arrive.

What happens if I cancel before all installments are paid?

If you cancel your subscription before all point installments have been distributed, you may lose the remaining unpaid points. Plan to keep your line active for at least the full payout period.

Summary

Here’s a quick recap of everything covered:

Detail	Information
MNP via employee referral	14,000 points
New number via employee referral	11,000 points
Normal MNP campaign (no referral)	13,000 points
Monthly plan cost	¥3,278 / month (unlimited)
Point payout start	4 months after referral login month
Payout structure	3 installments
Max lines per referral	5 lines

If you’ve decided that Rakuten Mobile is the right choice for your life in Japan, using an employee referral link is simply a smarter way to get started — you’re getting the same plan at the same price, with more points in return.

You can start your application here:

👉 Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral Link → https://r10.to/henTIE

Take your time with the application, make sure your documents are ready, and log into your account after sign-up to ensure the campaign is properly registered. Good luck with the switch!