Rakuten Mobile — Frequently Asked Questions
For Foreigners & Residents in Japan

Yes! Foreign nationals with a Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate and a Japanese address can sign up. A credit/debit card and Rakuten ID are also required.

• ID document (one of the following) — Residence Card / Special Permanent Resident Certificate
• NFC-compatible smartphone — for IC chip identity verification. If not supported, you can also verify by mailing a copy of your resident record (Juminhyo).
• Payment method (one of the following)
  • Credit card (recommended)
  • Japanese debit card
  • Bank account auto-pay also available
• Rakuten ID & password — free to create via the application link

Applications with a Diplomatic Identification Card are only accepted at a Rakuten Mobile shop (in store). A separate Certificate of Residential Address is also required. Online applications are not supported for this document type.

Yes, you can apply at any Rakuten Mobile shop nationwide. Rakuten Mobile is chosen by many foreign residents in Japan (MMD Research Institute survey "Communication Services for Foreign Residents / April 2025" ↗ Rakuten Mobile Tops MMD Labo Survey as Most Used Mobile Service Among Foreign Residents). Many stores have English-speaking staff, so even those not confident in Japanese can apply with peace of mind.

The following ID documents are accepted at stores:

• Residence Card
• Special Permanent Resident Certificate
• Diplomatic Identification Card (Certificate of Residential Address also required)

Yes! International students with a valid Residence Card can apply. No student ID required — a Residence Card and credit/debit card are all you need.

A Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card is required. Overseas-issued cards are accepted. Prepaid Visa cards are also accepted.

Cash payment is not available. Bank account auto-pay is also an option.

Yes, most SIM-unlocked phones are compatible. iPhones and Android flagships are generally supported.

Check compatible devices on the official site ↗

eSIM is an electronic SIM built into your smartphone. No physical card insertion needed — you can download and start using it immediately after applying.

• eSIM: Instant activation from the same day. Compatible with iPhone XS and later, and supported Android devices.
• Physical SIM: Delivery takes 3–5 days, but works with devices that don't support eSIM.

If your phone supports eSIM, we recommend choosing eSIM.

One plan with pricing that automatically changes based on monthly data usage:

• 0–3GB: ¥1,078/month (tax included)
• 3–20GB: ¥2,178/month (tax included)
• Over 20GB (unlimited): ¥3,278/month (tax included)^※1

Monthly cap is ¥3,278. No need to choose a plan yourself.

No hidden fees. All prices shown are tax inclusive.

• Cumulative activation fee free for up to 4 lines^※2
• No device cost (unless purchasing a handset)
• No cancellation fee for lines used over 1 year^※3
• No contract lock-in period

Note: Calling from the standard phone app (not Rakuten Link) costs ¥22/30 seconds^※4. Always use the Rakuten Link app.

Rakuten Link is a free calling and messaging app provided by Rakuten Mobile. Using Rakuten Link makes domestic calls and SMS free^※4.

Calling from the standard phone app costs ¥22/30 seconds. We strongly recommend downloading Rakuten Link.

International calls to some countries are also available at competitive rates.

Yes! Applying via the referral link on this site earns you up to 14,000 Rakuten Points^※5.

• MNP (Number Transfer): Up to 14,000 points
• New contract: 11,000 points

Points earned can be used for shopping on Rakuten Pay or to pay your mobile bill.

Major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo have excellent signal. With 99.9% population coverage^※1, the network is available all across Japan. Note that connection may be difficult inside buildings and in some areas^※2.

Yes! 2GB of international roaming per month at no extra charge in 100+ countries^※3. Use it during trips home or while traveling.

After 2GB, speed is limited to 128kbps (usable for maps and messaging). Additional data packs can be purchased via the app.

The network is available nationwide in Japan. Note that connection may be difficult inside buildings and in some areas^※2.

Yes, you can cancel anytime. Steps to cancel:

1. Open the my Rakuten Mobile app
2. Select "Procedures" → "Cancel"
3. Follow the on-screen steps to complete

Service continues until the end of the current month. No cancellation fee for lines used over 1 year^※1.

You can keep your number from as little as ¥1,078/month after returning home. 2GB international roaming per month at no extra charge in 100+ countries is also available overseas^※2.

If you are permanently leaving Japan and wish to cancel, you can do so via the my Rakuten Mobile app.

Yes, you can transfer your existing number to Rakuten Mobile via MNP (number portability). You may need to request an MNP transfer code from your current carrier before applying. MNP earns 14,000 points; a new line earns 11,000 points via the current campaign^※3.