Relieving Letter Template for Netherlands

A Relieving Letter documents the formal end of your employment relationship with a Dutch employer. While not legally mandatory in the Netherlands, many companies provide this document as a professional courtesy when employees move on to new opportunities.

The letter confirms your last working day, states that you fulfilled your notice period, and verifies you have no pending obligations to the company. Dutch professionals often need this document when joining new employers, especially in sectors like technology and finance, as it helps prove clean employment transitions and maintains good professional references.

Request a Relieving Letter from your Dutch employer when leaving your job, especially if you plan to work for another company in the Netherlands. This document proves you properly completed your notice period and left your previous role in good standing.

The letter becomes particularly important when applying for positions in regulated sectors like banking or healthcare, where employers need to verify your employment history. It also helps during visa applications or work permit renewals, as Dutch immigration authorities may request proof of previous employment relationships and their proper termination.

• Basic Relief Letter: Confirms employment dates, position held, and proper notice period completion. Most common in standard business settings.
• Detailed Experience Letter: Includes performance details, projects handled, and specific responsibilities. Popular in IT and professional services.
• Regulatory Compliance Letter: Contains additional declarations required by Dutch financial regulators or government agencies. Used in banking and regulated sectors.
• International Format: Enhanced version with apostille certification for use abroad. Important for multinational companies and foreign employment.

• HR Managers: Draft and issue the Relieving Letter, ensuring it meets Dutch employment law requirements and company policies.
• Department Heads: Review and confirm project handovers and clearances before the letter is issued.
• Departing Employees: Request and receive the letter as proof of proper employment termination.
• New Employers: Request the letter during recruitment to verify clean exits from previous roles.
• Immigration Officers: May require the letter when processing work permits or residency applications for foreign nationals.

• Employee Details: Gather full name, employee ID, department, and position title from HR records.
• Employment Dates: Confirm exact start date and last working day, including notice period completion.
• Clearance Status: Verify all company property returns, project handovers, and financial settlements.
• Company Information: Include official company name, registration number, and authorized signatory details.
• Format Check: Use our platform's Dutch-compliant template to ensure all mandatory elements are included correctly.
• Final Review: Have HR and the department head verify all information before issuing.

• Company Header: Official letterhead with registered Dutch business name, address, and KvK number.
• Employee Information: Full name, position title, and employee ID as registered with Dutch authorities.
• Employment Period: Precise start and end dates, including notice period completion statement.
• Financial Clearance: Confirmation of all dues settlement and pending payments.
• Property Declaration: Statement confirming return of company assets and intellectual property.
• Authorization: Signature from HR manager or authorized representative with company stamp.
• GDPR Compliance: Statement about personal data handling post-employment.

While a Relieving Letter and an Experience Letter might seem similar, they serve distinct purposes in Dutch employment documentation. A Relieving Letter primarily confirms proper employment termination and clearance of obligations, while an Experience Letter details your work history, skills, and achievements during employment.

• Timing of Issue: Relieving Letters are given specifically at employment end, while Experience Letters can be issued during or after employment.
• Legal Purpose: Relieving Letters prove clean separation and fulfilled notice periods, essential for new employment. Experience Letters focus on career progression and skill verification.
• Content Focus: Relieving Letters address administrative closure and clearances. Experience Letters detail professional accomplishments and competencies.
• Usage Context: Relieving Letters are crucial for immediate job transitions, while Experience Letters support long-term career development and job applications.