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What Documents Do You Need to Get a SIM Card in Japan?

Getting a SIM card in Japan as a foreigner requires a Residence Card, payment method, and a registered address. Here's exactly what to prepare in 2026.

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Last verified: March 30, 2026 (JST)

One of the first questions new residents and working holiday visa holders search when they arrive in Japan is what you actually need to get a phone plan. The short answer is less paperwork than you might expect — but there's one document that's non-negotiable.

Quick Answer: To get a proper phone plan in Japan, you need your Residence Card (在留カード), a registered Japanese address, and a payment method. No Residence Card yet? Tourist and prepaid SIMs have lighter requirements, but they won't include a usable Japanese number.

Related guides: How to Sign Up for Rakuten Mobile (2025) | Rakuten Mobile eSIM: Same-Day Activation | Cheapest Mobile Plans in Japan 2026

Get up to 13,000 points when you sign up → https://www.japanmobileguide.com/referral

What Do Japanese Mobile Carriers Require?

For any major carrier — Rakuten Mobile, ahamo, LINEMO, IIJmio, and others — the standard requirements for new residents are:

1. Residence Card (在留カード) This is your primary ID. Issued at the airport on arrival for those on long-stay visas, or at the ward office after completing residency registration. It proves you're a legal resident of Japan, not just a visitor.

2. A registered Japanese address Your address must already be registered with your local ward or city office and match the address on your Residence Card. If you've just arrived and are staying temporarily, you'll need to complete residency registration before you can sign up.

3. A payment method Most carriers accept credit cards and debit cards. Rakuten Mobile also accepts bank transfer (口座振替) as an alternative to a card. Foreign credit cards are generally accepted at signup, so you don't need a Japanese card.

That's it for Rakuten Mobile's fully online process. No in-person visit to a store, no Japanese guarantor, no additional Japanese-language paperwork.

What About My Number (マイナンバー)?

You don't need a My Number card or My Number notification letter to get a phone plan. Some carriers mention it as an alternative form of ID, but the Residence Card is sufficient and more widely accepted.

What if I Don't Have a Residence Card Yet?

If you've just arrived and haven't completed residency registration, you have a couple of options:

Tourist SIMs / prepaid data SIMs — Available at airports and electronics stores (Yodobashi, Bic Camera), these typically require only a passport. They provide data but usually not a real Japanese phone number, and they're often more expensive per GB than a proper plan.

Short-term SIMs with a phone number — Some MVNO providers offer plans that can be activated with just a passport, but availability changes. These are a workable stopgap, not a long-term solution.

The practical advice: complete your residency registration as early as possible (it's usually one of the first things you do after finding accommodation), then sign up for a proper plan the same day. With Rakuten Mobile's eSIM option, you can have a working number within the hour.

Do I Need to Visit a Store?

No, for Rakuten Mobile — the entire process is online. You upload photos of your Residence Card during the application, and your identity is verified digitally. Most people don't need to step into a shop at all.

If you prefer in-person service, Rakuten Mobile has physical shops (楽天モバイルショップ) in major cities. Staff can assist in Japanese; English support is available via the app and phone line.

Are You Using Rakuten Mobile?

Rakuten Mobile's online-only signup is one of the most accessible options for new residents: fill in the form, upload your Residence Card, choose eSIM or physical SIM, and you're done. Plans start at ¥1,078/month and scale with your data usage. There's no contract and no cancellation fee. Customer support in English is available at 0800-805-0805. Sign up through a referral link and you'll earn up to 13,000 Rakuten Points.

Get up to 13,000 points when you sign up → https://www.japanmobileguide.com/referral

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a tourist visa to get a proper phone plan in Japan? No. Major carriers require a Residence Card, which is only issued to those on long-stay visas (work, student, spouse, working holiday, etc.). Tourist visa holders can buy prepaid data SIMs but won't get a full plan with a proper Japanese number.

Do I need a Japanese bank account to sign up? Not at signup. Most carriers accept foreign credit and debit cards for the initial setup. You can add bank transfer later once your account is open.

What if my Residence Card address is different from where I'm actually living? You need to update your registered address at the ward office first. Carriers verify your address against the Residence Card — using an outdated or incorrect address will cause the application to fail.

Is there an age requirement? Yes — you must be 18 or older to sign up for a Rakuten Mobile plan independently. Those under 18 require a parental or guardian co-applicant.

Quick Reference

Requirement Details
Primary ID Residence Card (在留カード) — required
Address Must be registered at ward office and match Residence Card
Payment Foreign credit/debit cards accepted; bank transfer also available
My Number Not required
In-store visit Not needed for Rakuten Mobile (fully online)
Minimum age 18

Sources

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