[Definitive Guide] How to Get a SIM Card in Japan: Can You Apply Without a Residence Card?

For many foreigners, the biggest hurdle to getting a SIM card in Japan is the "Required Documents"—specifically, the Residence Card (Zairyu Card).

"My Residence Card hasn't arrived yet." "I don't have a Japanese credit card."

If you are in this situation, don't worry. There are ways to get a Japanese phone number without these hurdles.

In this guide, we compare 3 pro-selected services (GTN, Mobal, JP Smart SIM) that allow you to sign up without a Residence Card or credit card, helping you navigate the "chicken and egg" problem of starting life in Japan.

💡 Conclusion: Which SIM is Best for You?

If you are in a hurry, here is the quick answer based on your situation.

Your Situation	Best Choice	Why & Warnings
Pre-arrival / Short-term	Mobal	[Easiest] Pick up at the airport with just your passport.<br>⚠️ Note: Data speeds can be slow recently. Not recommended for long-term heavy users.
No Japanese / No Credit Card	GTN Mobile	[Best Support] Support in 7 languages & Convenience Store payment OK.<br>⚠️ Speeds may drop during lunch hours, but the lifestyle support is top-tier.
Data Only / Budget Focus	JP Smart SIM (Data)	[Most Stable] Uses the reliable Docomo network.<br>⚠️ The Voice Plan uses a 050 number, which cannot be used for bank accounts. Data-only is recommended.

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1. The Problem: Why is the Residence Card Necessary?

When signing up for a SIM card with a voice number (070/080/090) in Japan, strict identity verification is required by law (Mobile Phone Improper Use Prevention Act). Usually, the Residence Card is the only ID trusted by major carriers, making it a mandatory requirement.

However, the following three companies have unique systems to solve this problem for expats.

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2. Deep Dive: The Top 3 SIM Services

① GTN Mobile: Multilingual Support & Flexible Payment

Operated by a company specializing in support for foreigners, GTN Mobile is a popular "first SIM" choice.

• ID Requirements: The long-term voice plan (Eazy) requires a Residence Card, but the Short-term Prepaid (Data+Voice) can be contracted with just a Passport + ID.
• Payment: Even without a credit card, you can pay via Convenience Store (Konbini) or Bank Transfer.
• Support: Available in 7 languages including English, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

🗣️ User Voices (Real Reviews)

✅ Good:

• "I couldn't speak Japanese at all, but they helped me via chat in English. Great service for foreigners." (Source: Reddit)
• "Being able to pay at a Konbini before I got my credit card was a lifesaver."

⚠️ Bad:

• "The staff attitude at the physical counter wasn't great."
• "Internet speed can get slow during crowded times like lunch breaks."

② Mobal: No Residence Card Needed! Best for Arrival

Mobal is the savior for those who "don't have a Residence Card yet."

• ID Requirements: No Residence Card needed. You can sign up with just your Passport.
• Pickup: Order before you arrive and pick it up at the airport or locations within Japan.
• Contract: No binding contract. You can cancel anytime for free.

🗣️ User Voices (Real Reviews)

✅ Good:

• "Picked up my SIM at Narita Airport in 10 minutes. The English setup guide made it super easy." (Source: Reddit)
• "Best choice for short trips or working holidays since there is no contract tie-in."

⚠️ Bad:

• "Recently, data speeds have been very slow (sometimes under 1Mbps). I struggled even opening Google Maps." (Source: Reddit r/JapanTravelTips)
• "Be careful with the 'Unlimited Calls' plan. It's only free between Mobal users. Calling other numbers can result in a huge bill."

③ JP Smart SIM: Best Value for Data-Only

JP Smart SIM uses the NTT Docomo network, known for its stability and coverage.

• ID Requirements: The Voice Plan (CALL SIM) requires a Residence Card. However, the Data-Only Plan (DATA SIM) requires only a Passport.
• Payment: Supports Convenience Store (SmartPit), WeChat Pay, Alipay, etc.
• Network: Uses the reliable NTT Docomo network.

🗣️ User Voices (Real Reviews)

✅ Good:

• "Since it's the Docomo network, the signal is stable even in subways and rural areas."
• "I've used it for 5 years. Paying at the Konbini is easy and I've had no major issues." (Source: Reddit r/japanlife)

⚠️ Bad:

• "The phone number for the Voice Plan starts with '050' (IP Phone). You cannot use this for opening bank accounts or calling emergency services (110/119)."
• "Speed restrictions are strict after you use up your data cap."

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3. Specs Comparison Table (2025 Edition)

Feature	GTN Mobile	Mobal	JP Smart SIM
Residence Card (Voice)	Required (Not for Prepaid)	Not Required (Passport OK)	Required
Residence Card (Data)	Not Required	Not Required	Not Required
Payment Methods	Card, Konbini, Transfer	Card, PayPal	Card, Konbini, Alipay
Contract Binding	None	None	None
MNP (Keep Number)	△ (Depends on plan)	〇 (Specific plans only)	〇 (Call SIM only)
Network	SoftBank / Docomo etc.	SoftBank (Main)	Docomo

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4. FAQ: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Q. Can I keep my phone number (MNP) if I switch later?

• GTN Mobile: Possible with the Eazy plan, but the process can be slow.
• Mobal: Only possible with specific plans (Japan Unlimited v2).
• JP Smart SIM: Possible with the Voice Plan (Call SIM). Note: If you plan to switch to Rakuten Mobile or Ahamo in the future, make sure to choose a plan that supports MNP transfer.

Q. Are there cancellation fees?

Basically, all 3 companies mentioned here have "No Contract Binding & No Cancellation Fees." Just make sure to check the cancellation deadline (e.g., by the 25th of the previous month) if you decide to leave Japan.

Q. So, which one should I choose?

• "I need a number NOW with just my passport." 👉 Mobal
• "I'm worried about Japanese. I need life support." 👉 GTN Mobile
• "I just need cheap data. I use LINE for calls." 👉 JP Smart SIM (Data)

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5. Summary: Start Your Japan Life Smoothly

Without a SIM card, you can't open a bank account, rent an apartment, or even apply for a part-time job.

We strongly recommend securing your "first phone number" with Mobal or GTN Mobile first. Once your life settles down, the smartest strategy is to switch to a cheaper plan later.

We are rooting for a smooth start to your new life in Japan!