Reason for leaving

Retirement Resignation Letter

Use this letter when you are retiring. Give a clear retirement date, thank your employer and offer to help with the handover or succession. Tell your manager well ahead of time and check pension and benefit timing with HR, because rules differ by country, employer and scheme.

When to use it

You are retiring and want to give clear, early notice with warm thanks.

The template

Replace everything in [square brackets] with your own details before you send it.

[Date] Dear [Manager's name], I am writing to let you know that I will retire from my position as [Job title] at [Company name]. My last working day will be [Last working day]. It has been a privilege to work here for [Number of years] years. I am grateful for the colleagues, the challenges and the opportunities I have had along the way. I would like to help make the transition as smooth as possible. I am happy to document my responsibilities, help train my successor and take part in planning my handover. Thank you for everything. Kind regards, [Your name]

Notice periods depend on your employment contract and local law. Check both before you choose your last working day.

Tips

Speak to HR about pension, benefits and paperwork before you set the date.
Give more notice than the minimum if you can, so there is time to plan a successor.
Offer to write down your knowledge of processes and key contacts.
Ask whether part-time, consulting or phased retirement could be an option if you would like it.

Mistakes to avoid

Setting the date before checking when your pension or benefits can start.
Leaving knowledge only in your head.

Related resignation letters

Fixed-Term Contract Resignation Letter

Your fixed-term contract is ending and you will not extend it, or you want to leave on its end date.

Resignation Letter After a Short Time

You are leaving within weeks or a few months of starting.

Resignation Letter for a Toxic Workplace

You are leaving a difficult workplace and want to stay neutral and professional.

Resignation Letter for a New Job

You have accepted another offer and want to leave on good terms.

All resignation letter templates How to write a resignation email

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