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Draft translation. The rules concern Dutch employment law; have their application to your situation assessed. About our content
Work & rights · practical guides · Dismissal & leaving

I want to leave my job

A new job, conflict or personal change may prompt you to leave. First check whether and when you can resign and how this affects income, restrictive clauses and final pay.

Sources (32)View the sources usedSources current as of:
Your route in three steps

Choose your next step

Consider your reason and financial position

Consider whether you really want to resign or instead want a problem resolved. Check whether the new job is firmly agreed and what uncertainties remain. If you are ill, in conflict or under pressure to leave, discuss pay and benefit consequences first.

Establish a workable end date

Read the contract and collective agreement for the notice period and permitted termination date. For a fixed-term contract, check whether early notice is allowed. Also examine non-compete, non-solicitation and training-cost clauses before committing to a start date or work elsewhere.

Finish carefully

Record a valid resignation and its receipt clearly and request confirmation of the final working day. Arrange handover, equipment, holiday and final pay. Save payslips and relevant documents before access ends. Compare the eventual payment with the agreements.

A practical example

The new job starts too soon

Your new employer expects you at the start of next month. Your current contract allows termination on a different basis. First discuss a workable transition and record any agreed departure from the usual arrangements in writing.

My workbook

Gather these documents

Questions about this route

Can I leave a fixed-term contract without an early-notice clause?

Not automatically. An agreement on departure or another legal route may be needed. Simply stopping can have financial consequences; check your options in advance.

Will I receive WW if I leave voluntarily?

Resigning can jeopardise entitlement to WW. Special circumstances exist, but your own assessment alone is not a sufficient basis for resigning.

Can I use holiday as my notice period?

Taking holiday and the length of employment are separate questions. Make separate arrangements for leave, release from work and the end date.

Sources (32)

Sources and editorial notes

This preparation guide is our own editorial work. The primary sources below support the linked in-depth articles. Check the stated source date and obtain an assessment of any agreement or procedure for your own situation.

Sources current as of:

The source publications are in Dutch. All language editions cover Dutch law.

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My employer wants to dismiss meA meeting, a formal dismissal application and summary dismissal call for different responses. First identify the procedure and the dates. Then check the reasons your employer gives and the help you need.
I have received a settlement agreementA proposal to leave involves more than the amount of compensation. This guide helps you examine the wording, end date and position after departure together before deciding whether to negotiate or sign.
My wages are unpaid or lateSet out the difference between what appears to be due, what the payslip shows and what reached your bank account. This guide helps you substantiate the shortfall, write a specific request and choose the next step.
I am ill and need to return to workDuring sickness, pay, medical guidance and work arrangements run alongside one another. Use this guide to clarify roles and agreements and to address a disagreement promptly through the appropriate route.
My fixed-term contract is endingStart with the complete contract history, rather than only the latest end date. Then examine the notification of continuation, compensation, final pay and income afterwards. This route keeps those questions separate.
There is a workplace conflict or unwanted behaviourA warning, disagreement about work and report of harassment are different issues. Organise what is happening, what you need and which route fits. This guide helps you prepare a factual, careful account.
I am offered a new employment contractA new contract concerns your future work and restrictions after leaving. Compare the offer, collective agreement and attachments before focusing only on salary. This guide helps structure your questions and your first period at work.
I want to leave my jobA new job, conflict or personal change may prompt you to leave. First check whether and when you can resign and how this affects income, restrictive clauses and final pay.

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