Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral Campaign: Get Up to 14,000 Points — Complete Guide for Foreign Residents in Japan [2026 Guide]

If you’re a foreign resident in Japan thinking about switching your mobile plan, you’ve probably heard about Rakuten Mobile’s unlimited data plan at just ¥3,278 per month (tax included). What you might not know is that signing up through a special employee referral link can get you significantly more bonus points than going through the standard campaign alone.

This guide breaks down exactly how the Rakuten Mobile employee referral campaign works, how many points you can expect, and what to keep in mind before you sign up — all in plain English.

What Is the Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral Campaign?

Rakuten Mobile runs various promotional campaigns throughout the year, but the employee referral campaign is one of the most generous ways to earn Rakuten Points when you sign up for a new line or switch carriers.

The idea is straightforward: someone with access to an employee referral link shares it with you, and when you sign up through that link, you receive a bonus point reward on top of (or in place of) the standard campaign offer.

How Many Points Can You Get?

Here’s a quick comparison so you can see exactly why the referral route matters:

Signup Type	Standard Campaign	Via Employee Referral Link
MNP (Carrier Switch)	13,000 points	14,000 points
New Number Signup	—	11,000 points

As you can see, switching carriers (MNP) through the referral link earns you 1,000 extra points compared to the standard campaign — and new number signups are also well rewarded at 11,000 points.

For context, Rakuten Points can be used like cash across a huge range of services: Rakuten Ichiba shopping, Rakuten Pay at physical stores, and much more. It’s genuinely useful bonus value.

Who Is This Campaign For?

This campaign is ideal for anyone who:

Is currently on a major carrier like docomo, au, or SoftBank and wants to reduce their monthly bill
Is signing up for a Japanese mobile number for the first time
Wants to maximize the bonus they receive when joining Rakuten Mobile
Is comfortable managing a straightforward online application process

Foreign residents in Japan are fully eligible to apply for Rakuten Mobile, though you will need valid ID (such as your Residence Card / 在留カード) and a Japanese address. The application process is available in Japanese, so having some basic knowledge or using a translation tool helps — but many people navigate it successfully.

The Rakuten Mobile Plan Itself: Is It Worth It?

Before diving deeper into the referral campaign, it’s worth taking a moment to understand what you’re actually signing up for.

Rakuten Mobile offers a single, simple unlimited data plan at ¥3,278 per month (tax included). There are no tiered plans to confuse things — everyone gets unlimited domestic data. Calls via the Rakuten Link app are also free domestically.

If you’re currently paying ¥6,000–¥9,000/month with a major carrier, the savings potential is significant. Even after the initial bonus points run out, the ongoing monthly saving is the real long-term win.

If you’re curious about how those savings stack up in concrete numbers, check out this breakdown: How Much Can You Save Switching to Rakuten Mobile? Monthly Savings Calculator vs Docomo, au & SoftBank [2026 Guide]. It’s a helpful read before committing.

How the Points Are Paid Out: Important Timing Details

One thing that surprises many new users is that the bonus points are not paid out all at once immediately after signup. Here’s how the payout actually works:

Point Payment Schedule

Points are paid in 3 separate installments
Installments begin 4 months after the month in which you completed your referral login

So for example: if you sign up in July 2026, your first installment would arrive around November 2026, with the remaining two installments following in subsequent months.

This is a common structure for Rakuten campaigns and nothing to worry about — just set your expectations correctly so you’re not wondering where your points are in the first month.

Breakdown of Points Across Installments

Rakuten typically divides the points across the three payments. The exact split can vary, so it’s worth checking the official campaign page at the time of your application to confirm current terms.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Through the Employee Referral Link

Applying through the referral link is not complicated, but following the steps in the right order matters.

Step 1: Access the Referral Link

Use this employee referral URL to start your application: 👉 https://r10.to/henTIE

Make sure you access this link before beginning your application. The referral tracking happens from this entry point, so starting your application through a different page may mean you miss out on the extra points.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Before starting the online application, gather the following:

Residence Card (在留カード) — your primary ID as a foreign resident
Credit card (for monthly billing; some debit cards may also be accepted)
Current carrier’s MNP reservation number — if you’re switching carriers (MNP)
Rakuten ID — or create one if you don’t have one yet

Step 3: Choose SIM or eSIM

Rakuten Mobile supports both physical SIM cards and eSIM. eSIM is particularly convenient because it can be activated on the same day without waiting for a physical card to arrive. If you want to understand the differences and how quickly you can get started, this guide covers it well: Rakuten Mobile Activation Same Day: Quickest Process for SIM & eSIM — Complete Guide for Foreign Residents in Japan [2026 Guide].

Step 4: Complete the Application

Follow the on-screen steps to fill in your personal information, upload your ID, and confirm your plan. The process takes roughly 15–30 minutes if you have everything prepared in advance.

Step 5: Wait for Activation and Point Confirmation

Once your line is activated, keep an eye on your Rakuten account to confirm that the referral points are registered. If anything looks unclear, Rakuten’s support chat can help clarify.

MNP (Carrier Switch): What Foreign Residents Should Know

If you’re currently on au, docomo, or SoftBank and want to switch while keeping your phone number, you’ll need to complete the MNP (Mobile Number Portability) process. This is what qualifies you for the higher 14,000-point reward.

Getting your MNP reservation number (MNP予約番号) from your current carrier is the key step. You can usually do this:

Via your carrier’s website or app
By calling customer support
At a physical store

The MNP reservation number is valid for a limited time (usually 15 days), so make sure you apply to Rakuten Mobile promptly after obtaining it.

Household Benefits: Up to 5 Lines Per Person

One detail worth highlighting for families or shared households: each person can refer up to 5 lines under this campaign. If multiple family members are thinking about switching, coordinating through the same referral link can be a smart way to maximize the benefit.

For instance, if you and your partner both switch via MNP using the referral link, that’s potentially 28,000 points combined (14,000 each). It adds up quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreign residents really get the full point reward?

Yes. Rakuten Mobile does not restrict the referral campaign bonus based on nationality. As long as you complete the application correctly with valid documentation and a registered Rakuten account, you are eligible for the same points as Japanese residents.

What if I already have a Rakuten Mobile line?

The referral campaign applies to new line sign-ups. If you already have an existing Rakuten Mobile line, unfortunately you wouldn’t be eligible for the sign-up bonus. However, if you’re adding a second line for a family member, that second line would still qualify.

Do I need to keep the plan for a certain period?

Rakuten Mobile’s current plans do not have a mandatory contract period, but the point campaign may have usage conditions attached. Always check the official terms at the time of application. In general, most bonus campaigns require you to remain an active subscriber for the points to be fully paid out across the three installments.

What if I have concerns about switching?

Switching to any new carrier comes with an adjustment period. If you have specific concerns about whether Rakuten Mobile might not suit you, it’s worth reading a balanced perspective — including potential downsides — before committing: Rakuten Mobile au to Rakuten Mobile Regret & Demerit Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide].

Summary: Is the Employee Referral Campaign Worth It?

Let’s put it simply:

14,000 points via MNP through the referral link vs. 13,000 through the standard route — that’s a free 1,000-point advantage
11,000 points for new number signup — solid reward for a new line
Points paid in 3 installments starting ~4 months after your signup month
The underlying plan is genuinely competitive at ¥3,278/month unlimited

For most foreign residents in Japan who are already planning to switch carriers or sign up for a new line, using the referral link is an easy, no-downside choice. You’re applying for the same plan either way — you might as well get the maximum points available.

Ready to Apply?

If this guide has helped you understand how the campaign works, you can start your application directly through the employee referral link below. Remember to access it before starting your application to ensure the referral is properly tracked.

👉 Apply here: https://r10.to/henTIE

Take your time to prepare your documents in advance, and the rest of the process should be fairly smooth. Good luck with your switch!