# Rakuten Mobile for foreign residents: sign-up, English support, coverage

URL: https://japanhow.com/phone-internet/mobile/rakuten-mobile-foreigners/
Author: JapanHow editors
Updated: Oct 27, 2026

## Summary

As of October 2026, foreign residents can sign up for Rakuten Mobile with a residence card (在留カード). A foreign passport is not on its list of accepted ID. Plans cost ¥1,078 up to 3GB, ¥2,178 for 3 to 20GB and ¥3,278 unlimited. You can pay by credit card, Rakuten Bank debit or a Japanese bank transfer (¥110 a month). Most support is Japanese only, but there is an English line and shops hold English forms.

## Key facts

- ID accepted: Residence card
- 3 to 20GB plan: ¥2,178 a month
- Bank transfer fee: ¥110 a month
- Most support: Japanese only

A foreigner can sign up for **Rakuten Mobile with a residence card (在留カード)**, and you can pay without a Japanese credit card. Plans are **¥1,078 up to 3GB, ¥2,178 for 3 to 20GB and ¥3,278 unlimited** a month, as of October 2026. The catch is language: most Rakuten support is Japanese only. Everything below comes from Rakuten's own pages, and we have not scored it (see the end).

## Can a foreigner get Rakuten Mobile?

Yes, if you can show a valid residence card or a special permanent resident certificate (特別永住者証明書). Rakuten's ID page lists these two for foreign nationals, plus diplomatic IDs. It does not list a foreign passport.

Three conditions apply:

- Your name, address and date of birth must match your application.
- The card must be valid and show your address and photo.
- If you have both an English and a kanji name, enter your contract details in romaji.

The page does not say how many months must be left on your period of stay (在留期間). Ask a shop if your renewal is close.

## How do I verify my ID online as a foreigner?

You have two routes. The smartphone check (スマホでかんたん本人確認) reads the IC chip in your photo residence card. Rakuten says it fails if the chip does not hold your correct address. That happens if your address was not registered when the card was issued, or if you have not updated it since June 14, 2026.

**In-home verification is closed to foreign nationals:** Rakuten states that foreign nationals cannot use its home verification method. If the app check fails, book a visit to a Rakuten Mobile shop and bring your residence card.

If your card is a 特定在留カード, only the front is needed. Otherwise you upload the front and back.

## How much does Rakuten Mobile cost?

Prices are monthly, including tax, as read on October 27, 2026. They do not include the family discount (最強家族割), which takes about ¥110 off each tier.

| Plan | Per month |
|---|---|
| Up to 3GB | ¥1,078 |
| 3GB to 20GB | ¥2,178 |
| Unlimited | ¥3,278 |
| 最強U-NEXT (unlimited) | ¥4,378 |

Speeds on the unlimited tiers may be limited. Calls in Japan are free through the Rakuten Link app, but cost ¥22 per 30 seconds from your phone's standard dialer. Numbers starting 0570 are not free.

The first four lines under your name carry no contract administration fee (契約事務手数料). Rakuten's plan pages do not state a contract term or a cancellation fee, and they do not list a SIM, eSIM or number-transfer (MNP) fee. Check these before you sign.

## Can I pay without a Japanese credit card?

Yes, with limits. Rakuten accepts these for the monthly bill:

| Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| Credit card | Standard |
| Rakuten Bank debit and some other debit cards | Some may be declined, depending on the issuer |
| Bank transfer (口座振替) | ¥110 a month; no corporate accounts; Rakuten Points can't be used |

Banks include Rakuten Bank, MUFG, Mizuho, SMBC, Resona, Japan Post Bank, PayPay Bank and Sony Bank. Rakuten's page does not say whether a foreign-issued card works, and does not mention foreign residents at all. If you have no Japanese account yet, see our guide to [opening a bank account as a foreigner](/money/banking/bank-account-for-foreigners-japan/) or [Rakuten Bank for foreigners](/money/banking/rakuten-bank-foreigners/).

## Does Rakuten Mobile have English support?

Only partly. Rakuten's contact page lists these channels:

| Channel | Hours | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Chat | 9:00 to 23:00, AI chat outside those hours | Japanese only, per the page |
| New application or number transfer: 0800-805-0090 | 9:00 to 17:00 | Japanese only, per the page |
| English Support: 0800-805-0805 | Listed as 9:00 to 5:00pm, 365 days | Can include a free phone interpreter |

The page contradicts itself. Its English Support section also says Rakuten can only respond to inquiries in Japanese. We could not confirm that a caller is served in English, so treat it as a phone interpreter service, not a guarantee.

Shops do better. Rakuten says English materials, including the Important Notice and application forms, are available at all shops, along with a point-and-speak phrase sheet. You can book a visit online. We could not confirm whether the Rakuten Mobile app is available in English.

## How good is Rakuten Mobile coverage?

Rakuten's map (updated October 13, 2026) shows 5G millimeter wave, 5G Sub6, 4G LTE and "partner line" areas. In partner-line areas you connect through au roaming. 5G is available only in parts of the service area, and millimeter wave only in very limited spots.

Speeds can change underground, indoors and in large buildings. For a weak signal at home, Rakuten suggests a small indoor base station called Rakuten Casa, which does not support 5G.

The area page gives no population coverage percentage and no data cap for partner-line areas in Japan. Type your address into the map before you sign up.

## Rakuten Mobile vs other SIMs for foreigners

We did not score Rakuten Mobile on its own: our phone and internet method compares a set of providers, and this page covers one. The [SIM card comparison](/phone-internet/mobile/sim-card-for-foreigners-japan/) scores Rakuten Mobile against other providers, using the same method for each.

| | Rakuten Mobile |
|---|---|
| Cost for 3 to 20GB | ¥2,178 a month |
| Residence card accepted | Yes |
| Foreign passport listed | No |
| Pay without a credit card | Bank transfer (¥110 a month) or some debit cards |
| English support | Partial: English line, English forms in shops |

Rakuten suits you if you have a Japanese bank account, can handle a phone line in Japanese and want a low price. If you have just arrived with no Japanese bank account, a provider that takes foreign cards may be easier.

## What to bring to a Rakuten Mobile shop

- Your valid residence card, showing your current address. If the address is outdated, Rakuten asks for a supplementary document showing the new one.
- A payment method: credit card, Rakuten Bank debit card or your bank details for a transfer.

Rakuten's English shop page does not list document requirements for foreign residents. Check its "What to Bring" guide before you go.

More guides: [phone contracts for foreigners](/phone-internet/mobile/phone-contract-japan-foreigner/), [keeping your number when you switch](/phone-internet/mobile/mnp-keep-number-japan/), [home internet for foreigners](/phone-internet/internet/home-internet-japan-foreigners/), [credit cards for foreigners](/money/cards/credit-card-for-foreigners-japan/).

## Questions people ask

### Can a foreigner get Rakuten Mobile?

Yes, a foreign resident can apply with a residence card (在留カード) or a special permanent resident certificate. Your name, address and date of birth must match the application, and the card must be valid. Rakuten's ID page does not list a foreign passport.

### Does Rakuten Mobile have English support?

Partly. Rakuten's contact page lists an English Support number (0800-805-0805) that can include a free phone interpreter, but the same page says inquiries are handled in Japanese only. Shops have English forms and a phrase sheet.

### Can I pay for Rakuten Mobile without a credit card?

Yes. Rakuten accepts Rakuten Bank debit, some other debit cards and a Japanese bank transfer (口座振替). The transfer costs ¥110 a month. Some debit cards may be declined, depending on the issuer.

### Why does the Rakuten Mobile app ID check fail on my residence card?

The app check reads the IC chip, and it only works if the chip holds your correct address. If your address was not registered when the card was issued, or not updated since June 14, 2026, apply at a Rakuten Mobile shop instead.

### Is Rakuten Mobile coverage good?

Rakuten shows its own map and uses au roaming in partner-line areas. Its area page gives no population coverage figure, so check the map for your address. Speeds can vary indoors and underground.

## Sources

- [Rakuten最強プラン プラン詳細](https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/fee/saikyo-plan/detail/), Rakuten Mobile (accessed Oct 27, 2026)
- [Rakuten最強プラン](https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/fee/saikyo-plan/), Rakuten Mobile (accessed Oct 27, 2026)
- [本人確認書類](https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/guide/verify/), Rakuten Mobile (accessed Oct 27, 2026)
- [支払い方法](https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/guide/payment/), Rakuten Mobile (accessed Oct 27, 2026)
- [口座振替でのお支払い方法](https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/guide/payment/autopay/), Rakuten Mobile (accessed Oct 27, 2026)
- [お問い合わせ](https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/support/inquiry/), Rakuten Mobile (accessed Oct 27, 2026)
- [Rakuten Mobile shops](https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/en/shop/), Rakuten Mobile (accessed Oct 27, 2026)
- [サービスエリア](https://network.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/area/), Rakuten Mobile (accessed Oct 27, 2026)