Resignation Letter Templates: Practical Guides and Examples

Deciding to leave a company is never a simple process. Whether you have found a better opportunity or feel the need to take a break in your career, formalizing your departure is a crucial step. Writing a proper resignation letter is essential to ensure that your termination or contract cancellation complies with the law and keeps doors open for the future.

In this guide, we provide ready-to-use templates, explain how to calculate notice periods, and outline what Portuguese law says about employment contracts. If you are looking for clear examples to avoid mistakes, this article is for you.

Introduction to Resignation Letter Templates

Delivering the resignation letter is the formal act that starts the countdown to your departure. In Portugal, verbal communication is not sufficient; the law requires written notice to protect both parties.

What Is a Resignation Letter?

A resignation letter is a formal document sent by the employee to the employer, informing them of the intention to terminate the employment contract. Its purpose goes beyond simple notification: it serves as legal proof of the date on which the intention was communicated, thus determining the start of the notice period.

Submitting this document correctly protects you from potential compensation claims by the company and ensures that you receive all outstanding employment entitlements (unused vacation days, proportional Christmas and holiday allowances).

Importance of Using an Appropriate Template

Using a tested template avoids ambiguity. A common mistake is failing to clearly specify the exit date or not mentioning whether the notice period will be complied with. A poorly drafted letter can lead to misunderstandings regarding the last working day or the reasons for leaving, complicating the final settlement.

Examples of Resignation Letter Templates

Below you will find templates adapted to different situations. You can copy, paste, and fill them in with your personal details (name, address, dates).

Important note: It is always recommended to send the letter by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt, or to deliver it by hand and request a receipt stamp on your copy.

1. Formal Resignation Letter (With Notice Period)

This is the standard template, ideal for those who want to leave on good terms and comply with the legally required notice period.

Subject: Termination of employment contract

Dear Sir/Madam,

By means of this letter, I hereby inform you of my decision to terminate my employment contract entered into with this company, in compliance with the legally established notice period of [insert number of days, e.g. 30 or 60] days.

Accordingly, my employment relationship will terminate on [insert date of last working day], which will be my final day of work.

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to work with your team and for the professional growth this experience has provided. I remain available to assist with the transition of my duties until my departure date.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Signature]

2. Resignation Letter Without Notice Period (Request for Waiver)

If you need to leave immediately, you must request a waiver of the notice period. Please note that the employer may or may not accept this request. If it is not accepted and the employee leaves regardless, compensation may be owed to the employer.

Subject: Termination of employment contract and request for waiver of notice period

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hereby submit my resignation from the position I hold within this organization. For [personal / urgent professional] reasons, I respectfully request your understanding and the waiver of the notice period.

Accordingly, I propose that my contract terminate with immediate effect / on [insert a near date].

I hope you will understand my situation and that we can reach an amicable agreement waiving the statutory notice period.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]

3. Short and Simple Resignation Letter

Ideal for situations where the relationship is very formal or a prior conversation has already taken place.

Subject: Termination of employment contract

To the attention of Management / Human Resources,

This letter serves to formally notify you of the termination of my employment contract, effective as of [notice start date]. I will comply with a notice period of [X] days, with my final working day being [final date].

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

How to Personalize Your Resignation Letter Template

Simply copying the text is not enough; personalization is key to demonstrating professionalism and leaving a positive final impression.

Adjusting the Tone to the Company

The tone of the letter should reflect the company’s culture.

• Traditional companies: Use formal salutations such as “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To the Board of Directors.” Keep the text strictly focused on contractual facts.

• Startups or informal environments: While the document is legal in nature, you may use slightly lighter language in the thank-you paragraph, but clarity regarding termination must never be compromised.

Elements That Must Always Be Included

Regardless of the template used, ensure the following information appears in your final document:

• Your full name and address

• Company name and address

• Explicit mention of “termination of contract” or “resignation”

• Date the letter is sent

• Reference to the notice period (whether it will be complied with or not)

• Effective date of the last working day

Legal Considerations When Sending a Resignation Letter

Portuguese labor law is specific regarding the employee’s obligations at the time of departure.

Employee Rights and Notice Periods in Portugal

Article 400 of the Portuguese Labour Code establishes the notice periods for termination of the employment contract at the employee’s initiative:

• 30 days: If seniority is up to 2 years

• 60 days: If seniority exceeds 2 years

For fixed-term contracts (fixed or uncertain), notice periods are typically 15 or 30 days, depending on the duration of the contract.

Legal warning: If the employee fails to comply fully or partially with the notice period, they must compensate the employer in an amount equal to the base salary and seniority allowances corresponding to the missing period.

Consulting a Labour Lawyer

In complex situations—such as workplace harassment, non-payment of wages (which may justify termination with just cause), or doubts regarding non-compete clauses—it is crucial to consult a labor lawyer or the ACT (Authority for Working Conditions) before sending the letter.

A poorly justified resignation may jeopardize access to unemployment benefits, which are generally not granted in cases of voluntary resignation.

Final Tips for a Professional Resignation

The business world is small. How you leave says as much about your professional character as the work you performed.

Planning the Transition

Offering to train your replacement or leave procedural manuals (SOPs) is highly valued. During your final days, maintain productivity. This ensures your former employer will provide a positive reference in the future.

Maintaining a Positive Relationship

In the letter, even if the experience was not perfect, try to include a positive note about what you learned. Phrases such as “I appreciate the opportunity” or “I wish the company continued success” soften the departure and keep professional relationships intact.

Avoid using the resignation letter to vent frustrations or criticisms; reserve those for an exit interview, if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resignation Letters (FAQ)

Still have questions about how to proceed? We have compiled the most common questions asked by Portuguese employees at the time of resignation.

Am I entitled to unemployment benefits if I resign?

Generally, no. Portuguese law considers unemployment benefits a protection against involuntary unemployment. When the initiative to terminate the contract comes from the employee (without just cause), it is considered voluntary unemployment.

However, if the resignation is for just cause (for example, repeated failure to pay wages on time), access to unemployment benefits may be possible, provided the facts can be proven.

Can I use vacation days to cover the notice period?

Yes, this is common practice, but it requires agreement with the employer. If you still have unused vacation days, you may propose taking them during the notice period. This allows you to physically leave the company earlier, although the employment contract remains in force until the final day of the notice period.

Otherwise, the company must pay these days in the final settlement.

What happens if the company refuses to sign or receive the letter?

Refusal to sign or accept the letter delivered by hand does not prevent resignation. If you anticipate difficulties, always send the letter by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt. The signed receipt serves as legal proof that the communication was delivered, regardless of the employer’s will. The notice period starts on the day following receipt.

Am I required to justify the reason for leaving?

No. In cases of termination with regular notice, it is not necessary to justify the reason. It is sufficient to communicate the intention to end the employment relationship.

Only in cases of termination with just cause is it mandatory to describe in detail the employer’s behavior that makes continuation of the employment relationship impossible.

Can I change my mind and revoke my resignation?

Yes, but the timeframe is short. Under the Labour Code, the employee may revoke the termination of the contract within 7 days after the date on which the communication reached the employer. This revocation must be made in writing.

Final Considerations

Writing a resignation letter does not have to be a daunting task. With the right templates and a clear understanding of your rights and obligations—especially regarding notice periods and contractual deadlines—you can close this chapter safely and professionally.

Remember: the goal is to formalize your intention to leave while protecting your career and ensuring that the termination occurs without financial or legal surprises. Choose the template that best fits your situation, complete it carefully, and take the next step in your professional life with confidence.