How to Write a Swiss Resignation Letter That Protects Your Rights

Whether you're an employee planning to go freelance or a freelancer ending a client contract, this guide covers everything you need to resign properly, maintain professional relationships, and transition smoothly to your next chapter.

What Makes Swiss Resignation Letters Different?

Switzerland's resignation process follows the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR), which sets clear rules about notice periods, delivery methods, and documentation. Unlike some countries where a quick email suffices, Swiss law favors written, signed letters with proof of delivery.

The bottom line: You need a formal, written resignation letter—even if you've already discussed your departure verbally.

Notice Period Calculation Examples

Example 1: You've worked for 5 years. You hand in your resignation on June 10.

• Notice period: 2 months
• Calculation: July 1 → August 31
• Last working day: August 31

Example 2: You're in your probation period. You resign on January 15.

• Notice period: 7 calendar days
• Last working day: January 22

Important: Notice periods ending "at the end of a month" mean exactly that. If you submit resignation on March 15 with a one-month notice period, your last working day is April 30—not April 15.

English Template

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postal Code]
[Email]
[Phone]

[Date]

[Employer Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, Postal Code]

Subject: Resignation from Employment

Dear [Manager's Name],

I am writing to formally notify you of my resignation from my position as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name].

In accordance with my employment contract, I am providing [notice period] notice. My last working day will be [specific date].

I would like to thank you for the opportunities I have had during my time with [Company Name]. I have valued my experience here and appreciate the professional development I have gained.

I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will do everything possible to hand over my responsibilities effectively during the notice period.

Please confirm receipt of this letter and let me know how I can best support the transition process.

Yours sincerely,

[Handwritten Signature]
[Typed Name]

German Template (Kündigungsschreiben)

[Ihr Name]
[Ihre Adresse]
[PLZ, Ort]
[E-Mail]
[Telefon]

[Datum]

[Arbeitgeber Name]
[Firma]
[Firmenadresse]
[PLZ, Ort]

Betreff: Kündigung des Arbeitsverhältnisses

Sehr geehrte/r [Name],

Hiermit kündige ich mein Arbeitsverhältnis als [Ihre Position] bei [Firma] ordentlich unter Einhaltung der vertraglich vereinbarten Kündigungsfrist.

Gemäss meinem Arbeitsvertrag beträgt meine Kündigungsfrist [Frist]. Mein letzter Arbeitstag wird somit der [genaues Datum] sein.

Ich möchte mich für die Möglichkeiten bedanken, die mir während meiner Zeit bei [Firma] geboten wurden. Ich werde mich bemühen, eine reibungslose Übergabe meiner Aufgaben zu gewährleisten.

Ich bitte Sie, den Erhalt dieses Schreibens zu bestätigen.

Mit freundlichen Grüssen

[Handschriftliche Unterschrift]
[Getippter Name]

French Template (Lettre de démission)

[Votre nom]
[Votre adresse]
[NPA, Ville]
[E-mail]
[Téléphone]

[Date]

[Nom de l'employeur]
[Nom de l'entreprise]
[Adresse de l'entreprise]
[NPA, Ville]

Objet : Démission

Madame, Monsieur,

Par la présente, je vous informe de ma décision de résilier mon contrat de travail en tant que [votre poste] au sein de [entreprise], dans le respect du délai de congé contractuel.

Conformément à mon contrat de travail, mon délai de congé est de [délai]. Mon dernier jour de travail sera donc le [date précise].

Je tiens à vous remercier pour les opportunités qui m'ont été offertes durant mon parcours au sein de [entreprise]. Je m'engage à assurer une transition harmonieuse de mes responsabilités.

Je vous prie de bien vouloir confirmer la réception de cette lettre.

Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées.

[Signature manuscrite]
[Nom tapé]

Italian Template (Lettera di dimissioni)

[Il tuo nome]
[Il tuo indirizzo]
[CAP, Città]
[E-mail]
[Telefono]

[Data]

[Nome del datore di lavoro]
[Nome dell'azienda]
[Indirizzo dell'azienda]
[CAP, Città]

Oggetto: Dimissioni

Gentile [Nome],

Con la presente Le comunico la mia decisione di rassegnare le dimissioni dalla posizione di [la tua posizione] presso [azienda], nel rispetto del periodo di preavviso contrattuale.

Secondo il mio contratto di lavoro, il periodo di preavviso è di [periodo]. Il mio ultimo giorno di lavoro sarà quindi il [data precisa].

Desidero ringraziarLa per le opportunità che mi sono state offerte durante il mio percorso presso [azienda]. Mi impegno a garantire una transizione armoniosa delle mie responsabilità.

La prego di confermare la ricezione di questa lettera.

Cordiali saluti,

[Firma autografa]
[Nome digitato]

Special Cases: When Standard Rules Don't Apply

Immediate Termination (Fristlose Kündigung)

Immediate termination without notice is only possible in extreme circumstances where continuing the employment relationship is "unconscionable" for one party.

Valid reasons (rare):

• Serious breach of trust
• Criminal behavior
• Severe harassment or discrimination
• Repeated refusal to perform essential duties

Risk: If you terminate immediately without valid grounds, you owe your employer compensation equal to your notice period salary. Consult an employment lawyer before pursuing immediate termination.

Fixed-Term Contracts

If you have a fixed-term contract, you generally cannot resign early unless:

• The contract includes an early termination clause
• Both parties agree to mutual termination
• There are grounds for immediate termination

During Protected Periods

If you resign during a protected period (pregnancy, illness, military service), those protections don't apply to employee-initiated resignation—only to employer-initiated termination.

Review Your Service Contract

Look for:

• Termination clause and required notice period (often 30 days)
• Project completion obligations
• Intellectual property transfer requirements
• Non-compete or non-solicitation clauses
• Payment terms for work completed

Common notice periods for freelancers:

• Project-based: Completion required, or penalty clause applies
• Retainer agreements: 30 days notice
• Open-ended contracts: 14-30 days notice

If no termination clause exists: A "reasonable" notice period applies—typically 30 days for ongoing services.

Sample Freelancer Termination Letter

[Your Business Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Client Name]
[Client Company]
[Address]

Subject: Termination of Services Agreement

Dear [Client Name],

I am writing to formally notify you of my decision to terminate our services agreement dated [contract date] for [description of services].

In accordance with Section [X] of our agreement, I am providing [notice period] days' notice. My final day of service will be [date].

I will ensure all outstanding work is completed by this date, including [specific deliverables]. I am available to discuss the transition and can recommend qualified professionals if you require ongoing support.

I have greatly appreciated our professional relationship and wish you continued success.

Please confirm receipt of this notice and let me know if you need any additional documentation.

Best regards,

[Signature]
[Name]
[Business registration number if applicable]

Maintaining Client Relationships

Even when ending a contract:

• Offer to complete current projects or phase out gradually
• Provide transition documentation
• Suggest alternative service providers if appropriate
• Leave the door open for future collaboration
• Request a testimonial or LinkedIn recommendation

Why this matters: Switzerland's business community is small and interconnected. Today's client might be tomorrow's referral source.

This guide was last updated in 2026 and reflects current Swiss employment law. For specific legal advice about your situation, consult an employment lawyer or your cantonal labor office.