Last updated: August 23, 2025

Rakuten Mobile has streamlined their signup process significantly in 2025, making it easier than ever for foreign residents to get connected with comprehensive English support. This guide walks through every step from coverage verification to final activation, including the latest features like MNP One-Stop that eliminates reservation numbers and enhanced eSIM support for same-day activation. Whether you're brand new to Japan or switching from another carrier, this end-to-end walkthrough covers everything you need to know.

Before You Begin: What You'll Need

Gathering these items before starting the application process will make signup smooth and fast, typically completing in 15-30 minutes from start to finish. Foreign residents should have their residence card (在留カード) or special permanent resident certificate ready for identity verification—this is the most straightforward ID document that Rakuten accepts without additional documentation requirements. The Identity verification documents page lists all accepted forms of identification.

You'll need either a Rakuten Member ID (which you can create quickly during the application process if you don't have one) or you can use the "apply without Rakuten ID" route that streamlines signup for new users. Having a payment method ready—either a Japanese credit card or Japanese bank account—ensures you won't get stuck at the payment step. The shop visit preparation guide provides details on accepted payment methods and name matching requirements.

Essential items:

Valid ID (foreign residents: residence card or special permanent resident certificate)
Rakuten Member ID, or use "apply without Rakuten ID" option
Payment method: Japanese credit card or Japanese bank account

Step 1: Check Coverage for Your Address

Before committing to any carrier, verifying that you'll actually have service where you live, work, and frequently visit is essential. Rakuten Mobile's network has expanded dramatically in recent years but still has gaps in some rural areas and building interiors compared to established carriers like Docomo or au. Open Rakuten Mobile's official service area map and enter your home address, workplace, and any other locations where you need reliable connectivity. The map displays both Rakuten's own 4G/5G coverage (shown in magenta/pink) and partner roaming coverage (shown in different colors), though partner roaming has been largely phased out as Rakuten built its own infrastructure.

If you see solid Rakuten coverage in your key locations, you're good to proceed. If coverage appears spotty or shows only partner coverage, consider reading reviews from residents in your specific area or checking alternative carriers with stronger coverage in your region.

Step 2: Confirm Your Phone Works on Rakuten

Not all phones work perfectly with Rakuten Mobile's network, particularly older devices or phones designed exclusively for other markets without Rakuten's specific frequency bands. Use Rakuten's BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) checker to verify your specific model and OS version are fully supported. Simply enter your phone's make and model, and the checker confirms compatibility with Rakuten's network including support for Rakuten Link calling app functionality.

If your phone was purchased from another Japanese carrier (Docomo, au, SoftBank), you'll need to ensure it's SIM-unlocked before it can work with Rakuten. Most phones purchased after 2021 are automatically unlocked, but devices from earlier years may require unlocking through your previous carrier before you can use a Rakuten SIM. Rakuten's preparation guidance explains the unlocking process if needed.

Step 3: Decide—Keep Your Current Number or Get a New One

If you're already using a Japanese mobile number with another carrier and want to keep it rather than getting a new number, Rakuten supports MNP (Mobile Number Portability) with their streamlined "MNP One-Stop" system. This innovative approach eliminates the traditional requirement to obtain an MNP reservation number from your current carrier—Rakuten handles the transfer directly with participating carriers including ahamo, povo, LINEMO, and the big three traditional carriers.

The MNP Fast Convert Guide explains the process clearly: when you apply online and select the number transfer option, you simply authorize Rakuten to coordinate with your current carrier, and the number transfers automatically without you needing to call Japanese customer service or navigate complicated reservation processes. If you're applying in-store or your current carrier doesn't support One-Stop, you'll need to obtain an MNP reservation number through traditional methods before applying.

If you're brand new to Japan or prefer a fresh number, simply select "new number" during application and Rakuten will assign you one.

Step 4: Optional but Recommended—Enter a Referral Before You Apply

Rakuten Mobile's referral campaign can provide significant point bonuses—often ranging from ¥6,000 to ¥14,000 in Rakuten Points depending on current promotions—making it worthwhile to use a referral code if you have one available. The process is straightforward: open the referrer's URL (often shared by friends, family, or community resources), log in with your Rakuten ID, then proceed with your regular application. To qualify for referral bonuses, you must complete activation and place at least one call using the Rakuten Link app within the specified deadline (typically within one month of activation).

Campaign amounts and eligibility timing vary throughout the year, so always check the current Referral Campaign page before applying to understand current bonus amounts and requirements.

Apply with referral benefits → https://www.japanmobileguide.com/referral

Step 5: Gather Your Identification

Foreign nationals applying for Rakuten Mobile use their residence card (在留カード) or special permanent resident certificate as the primary identification document. These are the most straightforward options that Rakuten's system recognizes immediately without requiring additional documentation or verification steps. If you select eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification during application—the fastest approval method—you'll photograph your ID card and complete a face verification selfie directly in the my Rakuten Mobile app, typically receiving approval within a few hours to one business day.

The identity verification documents page provides complete details on accepted IDs and the eKYC process, including tips for taking clear photos that pass automated verification on the first attempt.

Step 6: Prepare Your Payment Method

Have your Japanese credit card or bank account information ready for monthly automatic payments. Rakuten's system requires that the name on your payment method matches exactly with the name on your application and residence card, including middle names if they appear on your ID. This name-matching requirement is strictly enforced by the automated verification system, so double-check spelling and formatting before submitting payment information.

Foreign credit cards are frequently rejected even from major international networks like Visa or Mastercard, so a Japanese payment method is strongly recommended to avoid application failures or delays. The shop visit preparation guide covers payment method requirements in detail.

Step 7: Choose Your SIM Type—eSIM or Physical SIM

Rakuten offers both eSIM and physical SIM cards, each with distinct advantages. eSIM is fastest—if your phone is eSIM-compatible (iPhone XR and newer, recent Android flagships from Google, Samsung, etc.), you can activate service within minutes to hours after application approval without waiting for physical card delivery. This is ideal if you need immediate connectivity or are traveling soon. The Online Application Guide walks through both options with screenshots.

Physical SIM cards typically arrive via mail 2-3 days after application approval, requiring you to wait for delivery but compatible with all phones including older devices that don't support eSIM. You can also opt for in-store pickup at select Rakuten Mobile shops if you prefer immediate physical card access.

If your device supports eSIM and you want the fastest activation, choose eSIM. Otherwise, physical SIM remains completely reliable with just a short delivery wait.

Step 8: Start the Online Application

Navigate to the Rakuten SAIKYO Plan page and tap the prominent "Apply Now" button, which redirects you to the online application flow. Alternatively, follow the step-by-step Online Application Guide which provides a comprehensive walkthrough with screenshots showing exactly what you'll encounter at each stage. The application happens entirely in English, eliminating the confusion and translation challenges that plague other carriers' Japanese-only processes.

The application typically takes 15-30 minutes to complete if you have all required information prepared in advance. If you need to stop partway through, the system saves your progress so you can resume later.

Step 9: Pick Identity Verification Method

For the quickest online approval route, select AI quick identity verification (eKYC) using an eSIM-compatible device in the "my Rakuten Mobile" app. This automated system uses artificial intelligence to verify your residence card photo and match it with your face verification selfie, typically completing approval within a few hours during business days. The eSIM Product Page explains the eKYC process and provides tips for capturing clear photos that pass verification on the first attempt—good lighting, steady hands, and ensuring all text on your ID is legible significantly improve success rates.

Alternative verification methods include uploading ID photos for manual review (slower, typically 1-2 business days) or visiting a Rakuten Mobile shop for in-person verification (immediate but requires physical travel).

Step 10: Activate Your Line

Once your application is approved—which you'll be notified about via email and in the my Rakuten Mobile app—activation procedures differ based on whether you chose eSIM or physical SIM.

eSIM Activation

After screening completes and approval is granted, activate your eSIM directly in the "my Rakuten Mobile" app by following the on-screen prompts. The app walks you through downloading the eSIM profile to your device, which typically takes just 2-3 minutes once you start the process. After profile installation, follow the device-specific setup instructions for your iPhone or Android device. The eSIM Product Page provides detailed activation tutorials with screenshots for major device types.

Physical SIM Activation

When your physical SIM card arrives via mail (typically 2-3 days after approval), insert the SIM into your phone's SIM tray—ejecting the tray with the included pin tool or a paperclip. Open "my Rakuten Mobile" app and follow the activation prompts to register the SIM card with your account, then run the initial APN setup for your device type (iPhone or Android). The SIM Product Page includes step-by-step activation guides for both iOS and Android devices.

Step 11: Install and Sign In to Rakuten Link

Download the Rakuten Link app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and sign in using your Rakuten ID credentials. Rakuten Link is essential for accessing free unlimited domestic calling—calls made through your phone's native dialer consume paid minutes, while calls through Rakuten Link are completely free. The app operates as a VoIP (Voice over IP) service using your data connection rather than traditional cellular voice networks, enabling the zero-cost calling benefit.

The Rakuten Link Service page explains features, limitations, and excluded numbers. Note that calls to certain special numbers like premium services (0570, 0180, etc.) and emergency services (110 police, 119 ambulance, 118 coast guard) must use your phone's native dialer and incur standard charges—Rakuten Link cannot connect to these numbers.

Make at least one test call through Rakuten Link to verify it's working correctly and to satisfy referral campaign requirements if you used a referral code during signup.

Step 12: Verify Service and Data

Open the "my Rakuten Mobile" app to confirm your activation is complete, check your current data usage, and verify your plan status shows the SAIKYO Plan active. The app displays your data consumption for the current billing cycle, allowing you to monitor whether you're on track to stay under 3GB (¥1,078), fall between 3-20GB (¥2,178), or exceed 20GB for unlimited (¥3,278). The SAIKYO Plan details and interactive price simulator on the official site help you understand exactly what you'll pay based on different usage patterns.

Test your data connection by loading web pages, using apps, and verifying that everything works as expected before relying on the service for critical communication.

Step 13: If You Prefer In-Store Signup

While online signup offers convenience and speed, some users prefer in-person assistance for their initial setup. Use the Shop Locator to find a Rakuten Mobile shop near you—they're typically located in major shopping centers, electronics stores, and transportation hubs in larger cities. Bring your residence card, Rakuten ID credentials (or be prepared to create an account in-store), Japanese payment method, and if you're transferring a number from another carrier, either your MNP reservation number (for non-One-Stop carriers) or simply your current carrier information (for One-Stop compatible carriers).

Store staff can assist with device compatibility checks, help with application completion on tablets provided in-store, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during signup. However, note that in-store signup doesn't fundamentally differ from the online process—you're still completing the same application, just with staff assistance available.

Step 14: Optional Settings for International Travel

Rakuten Mobile includes 2GB of free overseas data per month across 106 countries and regions—a valuable benefit for international travelers, though notably less generous than ahamo's 30GB free roaming. Before departing Japan, open the my Rakuten Mobile app and enable "overseas roaming" in the settings section. Review the country list and data limits to confirm your destination is covered and understand the 2GB cap. After exceeding 2GB while abroad, speeds throttle to 128Kbps unless you purchase additional 1GB add-ons for ¥500 each.

The roaming activates automatically when you arrive in supported countries—no advance registration or complicated activation procedures required. Your phone simply connects to partner networks abroad and data consumption starts counting against your 2GB monthly international allowance.

Key 2025 Improvements

Rakuten has invested heavily in streamlining and improving the signup experience throughout 2025, making it faster and more reliable than previous years.

MNP One-Stop eliminates the traditional requirement to obtain reservation numbers from your current carrier for most number transfers. Previously, transferring a number required calling Japanese customer service or navigating Japanese-only websites to request MNP reservation codes, then carefully entering those codes during application before they expired. Now, Rakuten handles the transfer coordination directly with participating carriers, removing this friction point entirely for most users.

Enhanced eSIM support delivers faster activation times with improved system reliability. The eKYC photo verification AI has been refined to accept more photos on the first attempt rather than requiring resubmissions, and eSIM profile downloads complete more quickly with fewer errors.

Improved eKYC process features better photo recognition algorithms that reduce rejection rates and provide clearer error messages when photos don't meet requirements, helping users correct issues on the first retry rather than struggling through multiple failed attempts.

Streamlined referral system with automatic point tracking ensures referral bonuses get credited to accounts without requiring manual claims or support tickets, and the app clearly displays referral campaign progress and requirements so users know exactly what's needed to qualify for bonuses.

How to Sign Up for Rakuten Mobile in 2025 (Step-by-Step)