Rakuten Mobile MNP Number Portability Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide]

Switching your Japanese phone number to Rakuten Mobile while keeping the same number is entirely possible — even if you’re a foreign resident. Whether you’re coming from SoftBank, au, docomo, or a budget carrier (MVNO), this guide walks you through every step of the MNP (Mobile Number Portability) process, explains exactly how many points you can earn, and highlights a few critical rules that many people miss.

What Is MNP (Mobile Number Portability) in Japan?

MNP stands for Mobile Number Portability (番号ポータビリティ), the system that lets you keep your existing phone number when you switch to a different carrier. In Japan, the process has become significantly more streamlined in recent years — you no longer need to visit a physical store in most cases, and the entire switch can be completed online.

For foreign residents, the key requirements are:

A valid residence card (在留カード, Zairyu Card)
A Japanese bank account or credit card for billing
Your current phone number
An MNP transfer reservation number from your current carrier

Once you have those ready, the actual signup process on Rakuten Mobile’s website takes around 15–30 minutes.

Why Switch to Rakuten Mobile? The Case for Foreign Residents

Rakuten Mobile’s appeal is straightforward: ¥3,278/month (tax included) for truly unlimited data, with no throttling regardless of how much you use. For foreigners who stream content, use maps constantly, video call family abroad, or work remotely, this is a compelling deal compared to tiered plans that cap speeds after a few gigabytes.

Beyond the flat pricing, Rakuten Mobile runs point campaigns that can seriously offset your first few months of cost — particularly if you apply via an employee referral link.

How Many Points Can You Earn by Switching via MNP?

This is where it gets interesting. Rakuten Mobile offers different point amounts depending on how you apply:

Standard Campaign (No Referral)

MNP switch: 13,000 Rakuten Points

Employee Referral Campaign (via Referral Link)

MNP switch: 14,000 Rakuten Points
New signup (without MNP): 11,000 Rakuten Points

The employee referral gives you 1,000 extra points on top of the normal MNP campaign, making it the best available option for most people. There’s no catch — you simply need to apply through the referral URL before completing your contract.

👉 Ready to switch? Use the employee referral link here: https://r10.to/henTIE

For a full breakdown of how the employee referral campaign works, including eligibility and step-by-step instructions, see this dedicated guide: Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral 2026: Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan — Get Up to 14,000 Points

Critical Points Rules You Must Know

Before you get excited about 14,000 points, make sure you understand these important conditions. Missing any one of them could mean losing your points entirely.

① Points Are Paid in 3 Installments

The 14,000 points are not delivered all at once. They are distributed in three separate installments, starting approximately 4 months after the month in which you logged in via the referral link. Plan accordingly — don’t expect an immediate lump sum.

② These Are “Limited-Period Points” — Use Them Fast

This is one of the most commonly overlooked details: the points awarded through this campaign are limited-period Rakuten Points (期間限定ポイント), not regular points. Limited-period points have a shorter expiration window than standard Rakuten Points and cannot be transferred, cashed out, or used in all the same places as regular points.

Make sure you use them promptly after each installment arrives. Check your Rakuten account to see the expiry date and plan your spending accordingly — Rakuten Ichiba (online shopping), Rakuten Pay, and other Rakuten services are all valid options.

③ The Rakuten Link App Call Requirement (March 2026 Onward)

For applications made from March 2, 2026 onward, there is an additional condition to receive points:

You must make at least one phone call of 10 seconds or more using the Rakuten Link app.

This means data-only SIM users are not eligible for the point campaign. If you’re applying for a voice+data SIM (which most people do), simply make one short call through the Rakuten Link app after activation to fulfill this condition.

Don’t forget this step. It’s easy to skip if you’re not aware of it.

If for any reason you forget to log in through the referral URL before applying, there’s a safety net: logging in via the referral URL within 7 days of your application date also qualifies. However, it’s strongly recommended to log in via the referral link before applying to be safe.

⑤ Maximum 5 Lines Per Person

Each Rakuten Mobile account can hold up to 5 lines. The employee referral campaign point bonus applies per qualifying line.

Exclusive Benefit: Re-Contracts and Additional Lines Are Also Eligible

This is a detail that sets the employee referral campaign apart from the standard friend referral:

Re-contracts and 2nd or additional lines are also eligible for the employee referral campaign bonus.

This is not available under the normal friend referral campaign — it’s exclusive to employee referrals. So even if you’ve had Rakuten Mobile before, or you’re adding a second SIM for yourself or a family member, you can still earn the bonus points through this route.

Step-by-Step: How to Switch to Rakuten Mobile via MNP

Step 1: Get Your MNP Transfer Reservation Number

Contact your current carrier and request an MNP transfer reservation number (MNP予約番号). This can usually be done online or by phone:

docomo: Via My docomo website or calling 151
au: Via My au website or calling 0077-75470
SoftBank: Via My SoftBank website or calling 0800-100-5533
MVNOs: Via each carrier’s online account page

The reservation number is typically valid for 15 days, so apply to Rakuten Mobile promptly after receiving it.

Step 2: Click the Employee Referral Link

Before you begin the Rakuten Mobile application, visit the referral URL:

👉 https://r10.to/henTIE

Log in with your Rakuten account (or create one if you don’t have one). This step ties your application to the referral campaign and is required to receive the bonus points.

Step 3: Apply on Rakuten Mobile’s Website

On Rakuten Mobile’s official website, select:

“MNP (他社から乗り換え)” as your application type
Enter your MNP reservation number
Choose your plan (there’s only one: ¥3,278/month, unlimited)
Select your SIM type (nano SIM or eSIM)
Submit your residence card details and payment information

Step 4: Activate and Make a Rakuten Link Call

Once your SIM arrives or your eSIM is activated:

Download and set up the Rakuten Link app
Make one phone call of 10 seconds or longer via the app

This fulfills the point eligibility condition for applications from March 2, 2026 onward.

Step 5: Wait for Points

Points will begin arriving approximately 4 months after your login month, paid out in 3 installments. Keep an eye on your Rakuten Point account and remember to use limited-period points before they expire.

Application Type	Via Normal Campaign	Via Employee Referral
MNP (number switch)	13,000 points	14,000 points
New signup (new number)	Varies	11,000 points
Re-contracts / 2nd lines	Not eligible	Eligible

The employee referral option clearly comes out ahead, both in point totals and eligibility scope.

What to Watch Out For After Switching

Rakuten Mobile uses a combination of its own network and partner networks (currently au roaming in some areas). For most urban areas in Japan, coverage is strong — but if you’re in a rural area or frequently travel to less-covered regions, it’s worth checking the coverage map first.

In case you experience any connection issues after switching, this guide can help: Rakuten Mobile No Signal & Connection Issues: Complete Troubleshooting + Coverage Check Guide for Foreign Residents in Japan [2026 Guide]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Rakuten Mobile if I’m not a Japanese citizen?

Yes. As long as you have a valid residence card (在留カード), you are eligible to apply. Rakuten Mobile accepts foreign residents under the same terms as Japanese nationals.

Do I need to visit a store?

No. The entire process — from MNP application to SIM activation — can be done online. Opting for eSIM makes this even faster, often completing within a few hours.

What if I already have a Rakuten account but not Rakuten Mobile?

You can still use the employee referral link. Log in to your existing Rakuten account via the referral URL before applying, and you’ll be eligible for the campaign.

Can I keep my current phone?

In most cases, yes — as long as your device is SIM-unlocked and compatible with Rakuten Mobile’s bands. Check compatibility on Rakuten Mobile’s official site if you’re unsure.

Summary: Making the Most of Your Switch

Switching to Rakuten Mobile via MNP is a smart move if you want unlimited data at a fixed, predictable cost in Japan. By applying through the employee referral link, you earn 14,000 points on an MNP transfer — 1,000 more than the standard campaign — and the eligibility extends to re-contracts and additional lines as well.

Just keep these key points in mind:

✅ Log in via the referral link before applying (or within 7 days)
✅ Make a 10-second+ call via Rakuten Link app after activation
✅ Points arrive in 3 installments, starting 4 months after your login month
✅ Points are limited-period — use them before they expire
✅ Data-only SIMs are not eligible for point rewards

If you’re ready to make the switch and maximize your rewards, start with the employee referral link below:

👉 Apply via Employee Referral — Get 14,000 Points on MNP