Resignation Letter in Germany: How to Resign Properly and Professionally

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.

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:

1. Your full name and address
2. Date and place
3. The employer’s name and address
4. A clear statement of resignation (no reason required)
5. The effective date (based on your notice period)
6. Your signature in ink
7. 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

Calculate severance pay now free of charge

• Calculate potential severance payment amount
• Strategy for negotiating a fair severance payment
• Find suitable lawyers for labour law

Check severance pay

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.

Free initial consultation with a specialist lawyer

• Free initial consultation with a lawyer
• Quick callback after 1 to 2 hours
• Strategy for negotiating the severance pay

Free initial consultation