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A Relieving Letter documents the official end of your employment relationship with a Swiss company. It confirms your last working day, states that you've fulfilled your contractual obligations, and shows you're free to start new employment. While not legally mandatory under Swiss labor law, many employers provide these letters as a professional courtesy.

Swiss companies often issue Relieving Letters alongside your final settlement documents and work certificate (Arbeitszeugnis). Having this letter helps smooth your transition between jobs, especially when your new employer needs proof that you've properly concluded your previous employment. It's particularly valuable in regulated industries like banking, healthcare, and professional services.

Request a Relieving Letter when leaving your Swiss employer, especially if you're moving to another job in regulated sectors like banking or healthcare. Your new employer might need this letter to verify you've properly ended your previous employment and have no ongoing obligations. It's particularly important when joining companies that require strict background checks.

Getting this letter becomes crucial if you're transitioning between competing firms or handling sensitive information in your role. Many Swiss multinational companies require it as part of their onboarding process. Having the letter ready speeds up your employment transition and helps avoid delays in starting your new position.

• Basic Confirmation: The simplest type, stating just your employment end date and completion of duties
• Detailed Release: Includes specifics about settled accounts, returned company property, and confidentiality obligations
• Industry-Specific: Contains additional clauses for regulated sectors like banking or pharmaceuticals
• Project-Based: Tailored for consultants or contractors, confirming completion of specific projects or deliverables
• International Format: Enhanced version meeting multinational requirements, often used when moving between Swiss subsidiaries of global companies

• HR Departments: Draft and issue the Relieving Letter, maintain employment records, and ensure compliance with Swiss labor regulations
• Former Employers: Company directors or authorized managers who sign and validate the letter's contents
• Departing Employees: Request and receive the letter as proof of proper employment termination
• New Employers: Review the letter during onboarding to confirm candidate availability and proper previous employment closure
• Compliance Officers: Verify the letter meets industry-specific requirements, especially in regulated sectors like banking or pharmaceuticals

• Employee Details: Gather full name, employee ID, position title, and department information
• Employment Dates: Confirm exact start and end dates of employment, including last working day
• Settlement Status: Verify all financial obligations are settled, including salary, benefits, and expense claims
• Company Property: Document return of all company assets like badges, devices, and access cards
• Compliance Check: Review any industry-specific requirements or non-compete obligations
• Format Review: Use our platform's Swiss-compliant template to ensure all mandatory elements are included correctly

• Company Header: Official letterhead with full legal entity name and Swiss business address
• Employee Information: Full name, position title, and employment period details
• Clearance Statement: Confirmation that all company obligations and dues are settled
• Property Return: Acknowledgment of returned company assets and access credentials
• Confidentiality Clause: Reminder of ongoing confidentiality obligations under Swiss law
• Authorization: Date, signature of authorized representative, and company stamp
• Language Compliance: Text in official Swiss language relevant to the canton

A Relieving Letter differs significantly from an Employment Reference Letter in several key aspects, though both are important employment documents in Switzerland. While a Relieving Letter primarily confirms the end of employment and clearance of obligations, an Employment Reference Letter focuses on work performance and professional qualities.

• Timing and Purpose: Relieving Letters are issued at employment termination to confirm proper closure, while Reference Letters can be provided during or after employment to support job applications
• Content Scope: Relieving Letters focus on administrative clearance and obligation fulfillment, while Reference Letters detail job responsibilities and performance evaluation
• Legal Requirements: Under Swiss law, employees have a legal right to receive a Reference Letter, but Relieving Letters are voluntary industry practice
• Future Use: Reference Letters support career advancement, while Relieving Letters primarily facilitate smooth employment transitions and compliance checks