Resignation Letter: Template and Notice Period

A resignation letter is used to notify your employer in writing that you have decided to end your contract voluntarily. It is also known as a voluntary resignation letter. It is not a request for permission: its purpose is to communicate your decision, record the intended date and make the administrative process easier.

Before submitting your letter, check the notice period that applies and how resigning may affect your unemployment benefit. An ordinary voluntary resignation does not give you immediate access to unemployment benefit. This guide includes an editable template, examples and the key points to check in Spain.

Important: an ordinary resignation is different from other ways of ending an employment contract, such as dismissal or certain cases of employer breach. If there are unpaid wages, harassment or other serious circumstances, seek advice before submitting a voluntary resignation.

What is a resignation or voluntary resignation letter?

An employee’s resignation is expressly set out in Article 49.1.d of the Spanish Workers’ Statute. The law requires the notice period specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreement or, failing that, local custom. A resignation therefore differs from a dismissal because the decision to end the employment relationship comes from the employee.

Notifying your employer in writing helps establish what was communicated, when it was communicated and the intended final working day. Although many companies provide their own form, keeping a copy of your notice is particularly useful if there are later questions about the notice period.

Resignation letter template to copy

You can use this example and replace the details in square brackets. Adjust the notice period to your collective bargaining agreement or the applicable terms; do not automatically copy 15 days if that does not apply.

[First and last name]
[DNI (Spanish national identity document), only if needed for identification][Company and department][City], [date of submission]
Subject: notice of voluntary resignation

I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign voluntarily from my position at [company name].

In accordance with the applicable notice period, my intended last working day will be [date].

Please arrange the necessary steps to end my employment and provide me with the relevant documents and payment of any outstanding amounts due.

I am grateful for the professional experience and support I have received.

Yours sincerely,
[Signature, if applicable][First and last name]

The letter can be even shorter: the key points are to make your intention to resign unmistakable and identify the company, the employee and the relevant dates.

How to write a resignation letter step by step

Write your name and the details needed to identify your employment relationship.
Add the date you are giving notice, not just the date you want to leave.
Use a clear subject line: “Notice of voluntary resignation”.
State your decision to end the contract clearly and unambiguously.
State your intended last working day after checking the applicable notice period.
Submit your notice through a channel that provides proof of receipt, and keep a copy.

You are not required to explain your personal reasons. If you want to maintain a good professional relationship, you can include a brief, neutral note of thanks. Avoid unnecessary accusations in an ordinary resignation letter.

How much notice do you need to give?

There is no universal 15-day notice period for every voluntary resignation. Article 49.1.d of the Spanish Workers’ Statute refers to the notice period set out in the applicable collective bargaining agreement or, failing that, local custom. It is also advisable to check the specific terms of your employment relationship and contract.

Therefore, check your collective bargaining agreement and any specific rules before setting a date. In some cases, failing to give the required notice may have financial consequences, so do not assume you can choose any final working day without considering the impact.

Example of resigning with notice

Imagine that, after checking your collective bargaining agreement, you confirm that 15 calendar days’ notice is required. Your letter can state the date you are giving notice and your intended final working day. Calculate the notice period precisely in accordance with the agreement and keep proof that the letter was received. Do not use this example if a different notice period applies to you.

If you have outstanding holiday or you and your employer agree on a different date, record the final agreed date in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

How to submit a voluntary resignation letter

You can give notice through a channel accepted by your employer, provided you can prove it was received. The important thing is to keep reliable evidence of the content and date—for example, a copy signed to confirm receipt, an internal record or a formal communication with verifiable proof of delivery.

If your employer has an HR platform, check the procedure and keep the confirmation. Do not rely solely on a verbal conversation if the resignation date or notice period could be disputed.

What happens to your final payment?

Voluntary resignation does not in itself remove your right to have any outstanding amounts paid. The final settlement may include wages earned, payment for any accrued but untaken holiday due and other amounts owed under your contract and collective bargaining agreement.

A final settlement is different from compensation for dismissal. An ordinary resignation does not automatically entitle you to dismissal compensation. Check the itemised settlement carefully; if you disagree with it, seek advice before signing to confirm that you agree.

Can I claim unemployment benefit if I resign voluntarily?

As a general rule, an ordinary voluntary resignation does not place an employee in a legally recognised situation of unemployment for the purpose of claiming benefit. This is explained by Spain’s State Public Employment Service (SEPE).

If you later work for another company, access to unemployment protection will depend on how that new employment relationship ends and on the legal requirements, including specific time limits in certain cases where the employment ends because you fail your probationary period. Do not resign on the assumption that you will receive unemployment benefit immediately.

Difference between voluntary resignation and dismissal

In a voluntary resignation, the employee decides to end the employment relationship. In a dismissal, the decision is made by the employer, and different procedures, consequences and possible compensation may apply. There are also special cases, such as certain requests to end an employment relationship because of serious employer breaches, which require specific assessment.

If you are unsure which type of departure applies to you, do not use a resignation letter template by default: it could affect your rights. Seek employment advice if there are unpaid wages, substantial changes to your employment conditions or disputes.

Do I need to give reasons for resigning?

Usually, you do not need to explain personal reasons or make complaints. The letter can simply communicate your decision and the date. If you wish, you can express your thanks and willingness to help with the handover.

If your departure is related to a serious dispute, do not make improvised legal claims: it may be better to document the facts separately and seek specific advice.

Common mistakes when writing a resignation letter

Not stating your last working day or the date you are giving notice.
Assuming 15 days’ notice is sufficient without checking the collective bargaining agreement.
Confusing final pay with automatic compensation for dismissal.
Handing in the letter without keeping a copy or proof of receipt.
Resigning because someone promises that you will automatically receive unemployment benefit.
Using an accusatory tone or providing unnecessary personal information.

For future job applications, you can prepare an updated version of your CV and read our guides to companies to look for work at before making a career move.

Frequently asked questions about resignation letters

Can I resign without explaining why?

Usually, it is enough to clearly communicate your decision and intended date, while following the applicable rules.

Is 15 days’ notice compulsory?

Not in every case. Check the applicable collective bargaining agreement and rules.

Does my employer have to accept my resignation?

An ordinary resignation does not need to be approved like an application; the notification and notice requirements must be followed.

Am I entitled to final pay?

Any outstanding amounts due must be paid, although there is no automatic compensation for dismissal.

Will I receive unemployment benefit after resigning?

Ordinary voluntary resignation does not, in itself, put you in a legally recognised situation of unemployment that entitles you to benefit.

Can I send a resignation letter by email?

The method must allow you to prove the letter’s contents and that it was received. Check your employer’s procedure and consider your circumstances.

Official sources on voluntary resignation

The legal basis and recommendations in this guide draw on these public sources. If your circumstances are unusual, seek personalised professional advice:

Editorial review: 8 November 2026. General information for Spain; it is not a substitute for individual legal advice.