Planning to leave your job in Germany? Then one of your first and most important steps is to write a resignation letter. Under German labor law, a resignation is only legally valid if it’s submitted in writing and signed on paper—emails or verbal resignations are not accepted.
Whether you’re moving to a new opportunity, returning to your home country, or simply seeking a change, submitting a proper resignation letter protects your legal rights and ensures a smooth transition.
This article explains the legal rules for submitting a resignation letter in Germany, what to include, when to submit it, and includes a ready-to-use template in English.
Content
- 1. Legal Requirements for Resignation in Germany
- 2. Notice Period: When Will Your Resignation Take Effect?
- 3. What to Include in a Resignation Letter
- 4. Template: Resignation Letter in English (Germany)
- 5. How to Deliver a Resignation Letter
- 6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 7. Can You Resign Without Notice?
- 8. What About Your Residence Permit?
- Conclusion
1. Legal Requirements for Resignation in Germany
In Germany, employees have the right to resign at any time without giving a reason—but only under the following conditions:
✅ The resignation must be in writing (printed and signed)
✅ It must respect the applicable notice period
✅ It must be addressed to the correct legal entity (e.g. HR or management)
✅ It must be signed by hand (digital signatures are not accepted under § 623 BGB)
📌 Electronic resignations via email or scanned documents are not valid and can be rejected by the employer.
2. Notice Period: When Will Your Resignation Take Effect?
The statutory notice period for employees is:
▶ 4 weeks to the 15th or the end of a calendar month
Unless:
- Your employment contract includes a longer notice period
- You are in the probation period, in which case the notice may be 2 weeks
- A collective agreement (Tarifvertrag) applies
Example:
If you hand in your resignation on April 3, your earliest possible end date would be May 15.
💡 Tip: Submit your resignation in advance to avoid delays or confusion about the termination date.
3. What to Include in a Resignation Letter
A valid resignation letter in Germany should include:
- Your full name and address
- Date and place
- The employer’s name and address
- A clear statement of resignation (no reason required)
- The effective date (based on your notice period)
- Your signature in ink
- Optional: request for confirmation of receipt or a reference letter
Avoid emotional or accusatory language. Keep the letter polite, clear, and professional.
4. Template: Resignation Letter in English (Germany)
Here is a sample resignation letter you can adapt:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Postal Code and City]
[Email (optional)]
[Employer’s Name]
[Company Address]
[Postal Code and City]
📍 [City, Date]
Subject: Resignation Letter
Dear [Manager’s Name / HR Department],
I hereby formally resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day, based on your notice period]. This letter serves as notice in accordance with the terms of my employment contract and applicable statutory provisions.
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to work at [Company Name] and for the experience gained during my employment. Please confirm receipt of this resignation letter in writing.
I kindly ask you to provide a qualified reference letter (qualifiziertes Arbeitszeugnis) upon my departure.
Yours sincerely,
[Handwritten Signature]
[Typed Full Name]
💡 Pro tip: Always submit two copies—one for your employer and one for your records. Ask for written confirmation of receipt and keep a photo or scan of the signed letter.
5. How to Deliver a Resignation Letter
In Germany, best practices include:
- Handing in the letter personally and requesting a signed receipt
- Sending it by registered mail (Einschreiben mit Rückschein)
- Avoiding email-only submissions, even if your employer accepts them informally
📌 Your notice period starts the day after the letter is received—not the day you send it!
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Submitting the resignation too late for your preferred last day
🚫 Sending only a PDF by email
🚫 Forgetting to sign the letter
🚫 Addressing the wrong legal entity (e.g. your supervisor instead of HR)
🚫 Not checking your employment contract for special clauses
7. Can You Resign Without Notice?
You can only resign without notice (außerordentliche Kündigung) if there is a serious reason, such as:
- Non-payment of salary
- Harassment or unsafe working conditions
- Criminal behavior by the employer
📌 This should only be done after legal consultation, as the threshold is high.
8. What About Your Residence Permit?
If you’re a non-EU employee, quitting your job may affect your:
- Residence permit status
- Time limits to find a new job (e.g. Blue Card holders have 3 months)
- Notification obligations to the immigration office
📌 Always inform the Ausländerbehörde and seek legal advice before resigning if your permit is job-tied.
Conclusion
Writing a resignation letter in Germany is a formal process with legal requirements. By submitting a signed, dated letter on paper and respecting the notice period, you ensure a smooth and professional transition—no matter your reason for leaving.
Use the sample letter provided to resign with confidence and protect your legal position as an employee in Germany.
