What This Guide Covers
If you’re a foreign resident in Japan trying to figure out how to get a mobile plan, you’re not alone. The process can feel intimidating — Japanese-only paperwork, unfamiliar payment requirements, and confusing plan structures. This guide walks you through everything you need to apply for Rakuten Mobile, from the documents you’ll need to the exact steps for signing up online.
We’ll also cover how to get up to 14,000 bonus points (worth 14,000 yen) through an employee referral — something most guides don’t mention.
What You Need to Apply
Before starting your application, gather these items:
Required Documents
- Residence Card (在留カード) or Special Permanent Resident Certificate (特別永住者証明書) — must be valid and not expired
- My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) — increasingly required for identity verification, especially for online applications
Payment Method (one of the following)
- Credit card — any major card works (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX)
- Debit card — Rakuten Bank debit or other Japanese debit cards are accepted
- Bank account — Japanese bank account for direct debit (口座振替)
This is a big deal for foreigners: many carriers in Japan only accept credit cards, which can be hard to get when you’ve just arrived. Rakuten Mobile accepting debit cards and bank transfers removes a major barrier.
Other Requirements
- Rakuten ID — free to create at rakuten.co.jp (you may already have one if you use Rakuten Ichiba or other Rakuten services)
- Email address — linked to your Rakuten ID
- MNP reservation number — only needed if you’re transferring your existing phone number from another carrier
Online vs. In-Store: Which Should You Choose?
Online Application
Best for: people comfortable with web forms, those who want to avoid waiting in line, eSIM users.
- Available 24/7 — apply from your couch at midnight if you want
- The entire process takes 15-20 minutes
- Choose between physical SIM (delivered in 2-3 days) or eSIM (activated instantly)
- All identity verification is done by uploading photos of your residence card
In-Store Application
Best for: people who want face-to-face help, those who find online forms difficult, anyone who wants same-day setup with a physical SIM.
- Staff can walk you through the process and handle paperwork
- In major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya), some stores have staff who speak English or can use translation tools
- You can walk out with a working SIM the same day
- Downside: you may need to wait 30-60 minutes depending on how busy the store is
Tip: If you go in-store, bring all your documents (residence card, My Number card, payment method) to avoid a wasted trip.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Online
Here’s the exact process for applying online:
Step 1: Click the Referral Link and Log In
Start by clicking the employee referral link and log in with your Rakuten ID. If you don’t have a Rakuten ID yet, you can create one for free during this step.
Important: You must click the referral link before starting your application. This is what registers you for the bonus points. If you apply first and click the link later, you have 7 days after your application to log in via the referral link and still qualify.
Step 2: Choose Your Plan
Rakuten Mobile has one simple plan — Rakuten Saikyo Plan (最強プラン) — with pricing based on how much data you actually use each month:
| Monthly Data Usage | Price (tax included) |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 GB | 1,078 yen |
| 3 GB to 20 GB | 2,178 yen |
| 20 GB and above (unlimited) | 3,278 yen |
You don’t need to choose a data tier in advance. The plan automatically adjusts based on your actual usage each month. Use 2 GB one month and pay 1,078 yen; stream videos all day the next month and pay 3,278 yen for unlimited.
Step 3: Choose SIM Type
- eSIM — no physical card needed. Activated by scanning a QR code. Best if your phone supports eSIM and you want instant activation.
- Physical SIM (nano-SIM) — mailed to your address in 2-3 business days. Works with any unlocked phone.
Step 4: Upload Your Identity Documents
You’ll need to photograph and upload:
- Front and back of your Residence Card
- Your My Number Card (for identity verification)
The upload interface is straightforward. Make sure photos are clear, well-lit, and all text is readable.
Step 5: Enter Payment Information
Add your credit card, debit card, or bank account details. Double-check the name matches your Rakuten ID.
Step 6: Review and Submit
Confirm your order details and submit. If you chose a physical SIM, it will be shipped to your registered address. For eSIM, you’ll receive activation instructions by email.
Don’t Forget: Make a 10-Second Call with Rakuten Link
This step is critical and often overlooked. After your SIM is activated, you need to:
- Download the Rakuten Link app (free, available on iOS and Android)
- Make a phone call that lasts at least 10 seconds using the app
This call requirement applies to applications made from March 2, 2026 onward and is a condition of the employee referral campaign. Without this call, you won’t receive your bonus points. Call anyone — a friend, family member, or even a restaurant to make a reservation. It just needs to be 10 seconds or longer.
What Is Rakuten Link?
Rakuten Link is Rakuten Mobile’s free calling and messaging app. Once installed, it gives you:
- Free domestic calls to any Japanese phone number (mobile or landline) — no time limit, no extra charge
- Free SMS to domestic numbers
- Works over data or Wi-Fi
This alone can save you significant money. With most other carriers, domestic calls cost 22 yen per 30 seconds (around 2,640 yen per hour). With Rakuten Link, they’re completely free.
The call quality uses VoIP (Voice over IP), so it depends on your internet connection. On a stable connection, quality is generally good. On congested networks, you may notice occasional audio quality drops — but for everyday calls, it works well.
The Employee Referral Bonus: How It Works
By applying through an employee referral link, you get more points than the regular campaign:
| How You Apply | MNP (Carrier Switch) | New Signup |
|---|---|---|
| Regular campaign | 13,000 points | 10,000 points |
| Employee referral | 14,000 points | 11,000 points |
| Extra points | +1,000 | +1,000 |
That’s an extra 1,000 points just for using the referral link — no other conditions or strings attached.
Re-contracts and Second Lines Welcome
Here’s something unique to the employee referral: even if you’ve previously cancelled Rakuten Mobile or want to add a second line, you’re still eligible for the bonus points. The regular campaign doesn’t offer this.
When Do You Receive the Points?
Points are distributed in 3 installments starting 4 months after your referral login month. For example, if you sign up in June 2026:
| Installment | Timing | Amount (MNP) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | October 2026 | 4,000 pt |
| 2nd | November 2026 | 5,000 pt |
| 3rd | December 2026 | 5,000 pt |
Note: These are limited-time points (期間限定ポイント), valid for 6 months from the date they’re granted. Use them at Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Pay, convenience stores, or anywhere Rakuten Pay is accepted. They cannot be converted to cash or transferred.
Overseas Roaming: Free 2 GB/Month
If you travel back to your home country or take trips abroad, Rakuten Mobile includes free international roaming with 2 GB of data per month in supported countries and regions — at no extra cost.
For short trips, 2 GB is usually enough for maps, messaging apps, social media, and checking email. No need to buy a local SIM or rent a pocket Wi-Fi. If you need more data abroad, you can purchase additional data through the app.
Language Support: You Don’t Need Japanese
A common concern: “Is everything in Japanese?”
Here’s the good news: Rakuten Mobile’s website and the my Rakuten Mobile app support English and several other languages. After signing up, you can change the display language in your account settings. While some fine-print documents may still be in Japanese, the core experience — checking your bill, managing your plan, viewing data usage — is available in English.
The Rakuten Link app interface is also available in English.
Summary: Getting Started with Rakuten Mobile
Applying for Rakuten Mobile as a foreign resident in Japan is more straightforward than most people expect. Here’s the quick version:
- Prepare your documents — Residence Card, My Number Card, and a payment method
- Click the referral link and log in with your Rakuten ID
- Choose your plan and SIM type (eSIM for instant activation, physical SIM for delivery)
- Upload your ID and complete the application
- Activate your SIM and make a 10-second call with Rakuten Link
- Receive up to 14,000 points over the following months
If you’re ready to get started, you can apply through the employee referral link below. It takes about 15-20 minutes, and if you choose eSIM, you could be using your new plan within the hour.