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Departure Letter Template for Germany

A Departure Letter (Aufhebungsvertrag) under German law is a formal document that outlines the mutually agreed terms for terminating an employment relationship. This document, governed by German employment law including the German Civil Code (BGB) and Protection Against Dismissal Act (KSchG), sets forth the specific conditions of the employment termination, including the termination date, final compensation arrangements, treatment of outstanding benefits, and mutual releases. It serves as a legally binding agreement that provides clarity and certainty for both employer and employee while ensuring compliance with German labor law requirements.

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What is a Departure Letter?

The Departure Letter (Aufhebungsvertrag) is a crucial document in German employment law used when an employer and employee agree to terminate their employment relationship by mutual consent. This approach often presents advantages over unilateral termination, offering both parties more flexibility in negotiating terms while avoiding potential legal disputes. The document typically addresses key aspects such as the termination date, final salary payments, treatment of bonuses and benefits, holiday entitlements, and company property return. Under German law, such letters must comply with specific legal requirements, including written form requirements under §623 BGB and consideration of mandatory notice periods. The document may also need to account for works council rights and social security implications. It's particularly useful in scenarios where a clean break is desired or when the statutory notice periods or dismissal protection regulations make unilateral termination challenging.

What sections should be included in a Departure Letter?

1. Letterhead and Date: Company letterhead including full legal entity name, address, and current date

2. Employee Details: Full name and address of the employee

3. Subject Line: Clear indication that this is a mutual termination agreement (Aufhebungsvertrag)

4. Termination Statement: Clear statement of the mutual agreement to terminate the employment relationship

5. Effective Date: Specific date when the employment relationship will end

6. Final Salary: Confirmation of payment of final salary and timing

7. Holiday Entitlement: Statement regarding remaining holiday entitlement and compensation

8. Return of Company Property: Requirements and deadline for returning company property

9. References: Confirmation of providing a reference letter (Arbeitszeugnis)

10. Final Release: Mutual release from claims related to the employment relationship

11. Signatures: Space for dated signatures of both parties

What sections are optional to include in a Departure Letter?

1. Garden Leave: Used when employee is released from duty until termination date while maintaining employment status

2. Severance Payment: Include when a severance payment (Abfindung) has been agreed upon

3. Post-contractual Non-compete: Used when maintaining or waiving existing non-compete obligations

4. Confidentiality: Additional confidentiality obligations beyond standard requirements

5. Outstanding Bonus/Commission: Include when addressing pending variable compensation

6. Benefits Continuation: Used when certain benefits will continue post-employment

7. Legal Representation: Include when employee has had legal counsel review the agreement

8. Works Council: Reference to works council involvement where applicable

What schedules should be included in a Departure Letter?

1. Payment Schedule: Detailed breakdown of final payments including salary, severance, and other compensations

2. Company Property List: Itemized list of company property to be returned

3. Benefit Details: Detailed information about any continuing benefits or insurance coverage

4. Outstanding Projects: List of projects or responsibilities to be handed over before departure

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Ƶ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents

Jurisdiction

Germany

Publisher

Ƶ

Document Type

Resignation Letter

Cost

Free to use

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