Yes, Foreigners Can Sign Up for Rakuten Mobile!
If you're living in Japan on a work visa, student visa, or working holiday visa, Rakuten Mobile is one of the most affordable phone plan options available. As long as you have a valid Residence Card (在留カード), you can apply online in just a few steps.
Rakuten Mobile is Japan's 4th major carrier and offers some of the lowest monthly fees in the country — with no minimum contract period, making it perfect for foreigners who aren't sure how long they'll stay in Japan.
Pricing Plans
Rakuten Mobile uses a flexible pay-as-you-go system. You only pay for the data you actually use.
- 0GB – 3GB: ¥1,078/month
- 3GB – 20GB: ¥2,178/month
- 20GB and above (unlimited): ¥3,278/month
With the Rakuten Link app, all domestic calls and SMS within Japan are completely free. Plus, every ¥100 you spend earns 1 Rakuten Point, redeemable at Rakuten Ichiba or to pay your monthly bill.
Required Documents
To apply for Rakuten Mobile as a foreigner in Japan, you'll need:
- Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate — must be valid and have your current address registered
- Japanese credit card or Japanese bank account in your name
- An accessible email address (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.)
No Japanese credit card? No problem — you can use a Japanese bank account for payment instead.
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Step 1: Visit the Rakuten Mobile website and select "Rakuten最強Plan"
- Step 2: Choose your SIM type (physical SIM or eSIM)
- Step 3: Log in to or create a Rakuten account
- Step 4: Enter your personal details — your name must match your Residence Card exactly
- Step 5: Use the "my Rakuten Mobile" app to upload a photo of your Residence Card for identity verification
- Step 6: Choose a new number or transfer your existing Japanese number (MNP)
- Step 7: Select your payment method and submit your application
⚠ Important: Make sure your registered address matches your Residence Card exactly — including the building name and room number. Even small differences may cause your application to be rejected.
Current Campaign: Up to 14,000 Points!
Apply now through the special campaign page and earn Rakuten Points:
- Switching from another carrier (MNP): 14,000 points
- New subscription: 11,000 points
These points can be used for shopping on Rakuten Ichiba or to offset your monthly phone bill — a great bonus on top of already-low rates!
No Contract, No Worry
There's no mandatory contract period with Rakuten Mobile. After using the service for more than 1 year, you can cancel at any time for free. If you cancel within the first year, a one-time fee of ¥1,078 applies. For foreigners who may return home unexpectedly, this flexibility is a huge advantage.
Rakuten Mobile's website also supports English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and more — so you can complete the entire application process without needing to read Japanese.
Click the link below to apply through the campaign page and earn up to 14,000 Rakuten Points!