How to Write a Retirement Letter (Resignation Samples and Tips)

Writing a retirement letter is about keeping it clear, professional, and sincere. Start with a warm greeting and state your intention to retire, including your planned last working day. Express appreciation for your time at the company and offer to help with the transition, like training your replacement or wrapping up key tasks. You can also touch on future availability for consulting or part-time work. Finally, wrap it up with a polite sign-off, and include your personal contact information if you’d like to stay in touch after you leave.

Your thoughts on retirement probably go to jetting off to a tropical destination or just sitting back and enjoying some much-needed downtime. But before you set your sights on the fun stuff, there’s one important step to check off the list: writing your retirement letter.

How much notice do you give? And how do you sum up years of memories, milestones, and Monday mornings in a single letter? Well, you don’t have to fit it all in. You can save all the sentimental stuff for the leaving party. Your letter just needs to hit the key points and keep the right people in the loop. 

And I’ll show you how to do it. This guide will cover:

• How to write a resignation letter for retirement. 
• A range of sample retirement resignation letters.
• All you need to know about giving a retirement notice. 

Planning an early retirement or leaving for another job? Check out our other resignation guides: 

• How to Write a Resignation Letter
• How to Write a Resignation Email
• 100+ Free Resignation Letter Templates
• The Best Subject Lines for a Resignation Email
• How to Write a Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons

What Is a Retirement Letter?

A retirement letter is a formal message you write to your employer to let them know you plan to retire. It’s like a resignation letter, but instead of quitting to take another job, you’re stepping away from work for good (or at least full-time work).

Even though you might’ve already had a casual conversation with your boss about retiring, this letter makes it official. It usually includes your planned last day, a willingness to help with the transition (if you’re up for it), and a few words of appreciation for your time with the company.

An official retirement letter also tells a company in advance that you’re retiring so they can start preparing, such as hiring someone new, shifting responsibilities, or figuring out how to fill the gap. You’re giving them a heads-up so they’re not caught off guard.

Retiring shortly after starting a new job? Find out more: How to Quit a Job You Just Started

How to Write a Retirement Letter

Here’s a summary of how to write a retirement letter:

• Stick to a one-page letter with clear sections: greeting, body, and sign-off. Use a professional font and standard spacing for easy reading.
• Your letter should sound sincere and appreciative. Even if the workplace was challenging, aim to leave a positive impression.
• Address the letter to your direct manager or the appropriate person in leadership.
• Let them know you’re retiring and include the exact date of your last working day.
• Highlight a few positive experiences, people, or lessons you’re taking with you.
• Offer help with the transition, such as training your replacement or finishing key projects. 
• You can show interest in part-time, freelance, or consulting work if you’re open to further opportunities. 
• End on a warm, professional note and include your contact information if you want to keep in touch.

1. Stick with a simple retirement letter format

A retirement letter doesn’t need to be long-winded or overly formal. Usually, a few thoughtful paragraphs on a single page are enough. 

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If you’ve spent years at the company or built strong bonds with your team, you can add more — share a favorite memory or reflect on your journey. If not, a short and sincere note is perfectly fine.

Your letter should be direct, grateful, and easy to read. No need to overthink it. Here’s a simple structure you can follow:

• Start with an appropriate greeting. 
• Include important details (e.g., date of retirement).
• Show appreciation and reflect on your time with the company. 
• Offer to help with the transition.
• Discuss retirement opportunities.
• Clarify any needs or benefits. 
• Leave your contact details and sign-off.

Of course, tailor it to your style. If you’re ready to sail off into the sunset with no follow-ups, just skip the contact information. 

2. Include the right recipient in the address

Start your letter with the correct person’s name, typically your direct supervisor or the person you’ve reported to day-to-day. Even if you’ve already had the retirement conversation, the letter makes it official and gives them something to share with HR.

You can also send a copy to human resources, since they’ll handle things like benefits, off-boarding, and final paperwork. If you’re unsure who to address the letter to or where to send it, just ask HR for guidance.

3. State your date of retirement

The most important part of your retirement letter? Your last day of work. 

Keep it front and center — not lost in a sea of thank-yous or reflections. If you’ve already chatted with your manager about your retirement timeline, this is your chance to confirm it officially.

Whether you’re giving two weeks or six months’ notice, being clear about your departure date helps your team plan, transition work smoothly, and wrap things up with confidence. 

Here’s how to include your last date of work in your retirement letter: 

My official retirement date will be October 4, 2025. I’m happy to help with the transition in the months leading up to my exit and will do my best to ensure a smooth handoff of my responsibilities.

4. Show appreciation for your time in the company

Let’s be honest, not everyone has the luxury of enjoying their jobs. But whether you loved it or dreaded each morning, you probably gained something from the experience, such as new skills, mentorship, friendships, or career growth. 

A heartfelt note of appreciation leaves a good impression and reflects your professionalism. Mention a favorite memory, a project you loved, or someone who made a difference. It makes your letter feel more meaningful and is a nice way to close the chapter.

Here’s how to be thankful in your letter:

I’m incredibly grateful for the years I’ve spent with this company. Working with such a talented, supportive team has been a true privilege. I especially enjoyed leading the Community Outreach initiative; seeing our impact in the local area was one of the highlights of my career.

5. Be supportive of the transition

As much as you’d like to say your goodbyes and get the next flight to literally any sunny destination, offering to help with the transition is a respectful move. This involves sticking around long enough to find a replacement or train an existing employee. 

If your role has responsibilities that aren’t easily handed off, consider creating a transition plan or documentation outlining your day-to-day duties. This kind of support helps your team stay on track and helps leave things better than you found them.

Here’s how to phrase this in your retirement notice: 

I’m happy to help with the transition over the next few months. I can assist with training my replacement, wrapping up active projects, and preparing documentation to make the handoff as smooth as possible.

6. Discuss retirement opportunities

Retirement doesn’t always mean a hard stop. Some people look forward to doing absolutely nothing (and that’s valid), while others enjoy staying more involved, through consulting, part-time projects, or mentorship.

You don’t have to commit to anything now, but planting the seed lets your employer know you’re still available if they ever need a seasoned hand. It keeps the door open and can lead to interesting opportunities and a sense of fulfillment.

Here’s how to bring this up in your retirement resignation letter: 

While I’m looking forward to slowing down and enjoying retirement, I’d be open to occasional consulting or project-based work in the future. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s ever a way I can help.

Check out more ways to keep busy during retirement: How to Make Money From Home

7. Outline any retirement needs or benefits

While you don’t need to dive into all the nitty-gritty, a brief note about following up on benefits, unused PTO, or returning company property shows that you’re thinking ahead and handling your exit responsibly.

If you need assistance with healthcare, pensions, or final paychecks, say that you’ll be in touch with HR. It keeps communication open and makes the transition smoother for everyone involved.

Here’s how to mention these details in your retirement letter:

I’ll be reaching out to HR to go over the final steps regarding my retirement benefits, unused vacation days, and the return of any company equipment. Please let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like me to take care of during this process.

8. Add your phone or email address

Including your personal contact information doesn’t necessarily mean staying under the watchful eye of your boss. It could be for a professional follow-up, networking, or staying connected with your colleagues (you never know when curiosity will strike). 

But hey, if you’re ready to unplug for good and never check your emails again, that’s totally fair. Do what feels right for you.

Here’s how to include your contact details in your retirement notice:

You can always reach me at [[email protected]] or (555) 123-4567 if you’d like to stay in touch. I’d love to keep connected.

9. Finish with a professional sign-off

Wrap it up with a kind and professional closing, like “Sincerely,” “Warm regards,” or even “With gratitude.” Then add your name at the bottom. 

Before sending it off, do a quick proofread to catch any typos or awkward phrasing. A professional, well-written letter leaves a positive impression and adds a touch of thoughtfulness as you take this next big step.

10. Use the appropriate tone and language

Your tone should reflect your relationship with your boss and the company culture. 

If things have always been formal, keep your letter respectful and to the point. But if you’ve shared laughs, lunches, and late nights on big projects, you can show more personality.

No matter how casual the workplace, keep it respectful and professional. Avoid slang or overly emotional language — this is your retirement, not a funeral. The goal is to leave things on a high note, showing gratitude and grace as you move into retirement.

Don’t want to wait until retirement? Learn more: I Hate My Job: What to Do, and When to Quit?

8 Retirement Letter Samples 

Finding the right words and summing up years of experience can be tricky in a few paragraphs. Just remember, this letter is more of a formal notice. If you’ve got heartfelt goodbyes or special shoutouts, you can always share those in person or a more casual note to your team. For now, your goal is to keep it clear, professional, and positive.

Check out these letters of retirement examples: 

Simple Retirement Letter

A simple letter doesn’t mean cold or distant — it’s just about focusing on the essentials. You’re announcing your retirement, giving your last day, offering help with the transition, and sharing a quick note of thanks. 

Here’s how to write a short and simple retirement letter:

Formal retirement letter

Maybe you work for a large company and have never actually met your boss, or you just don’t have a close relationship. If that’s the case, include formal language, clear retirement details, an expression of appreciation, and a reference to upcoming HR coordination.

Check out this formal retirement letter: 

Friendly retirement letter

Want to add some personality to your retirement notice? You can still keep things respectful, but make the tone warmer and more conversational. You can do this by sharing a memory or a heartfelt thank-you to your manager or team.

Here’s how to write an informal retirement letter: 

Thankful retirement letter

If your job helped shape your career, mindset, or identity, a thankful retirement letter shows that appreciation. Reflect on your journey and highlight key relationships or milestones.

Here’s how to show gratitude in your retirement announcement: 

Dear Mateo,

I’m officially announcing my retirement from Everwell Nonprofit Services, effective November 1, 2025.

This decision comes with mixed emotions. My time here has been among the most fulfilling years of my life, both personally and professionally. From organizing the first city-wide health fair to securing our most recent federal grant, I’ve been proud to serve alongside such passionate change makers.

I’m especially grateful for your leadership and encouragement over the past decade. You trusted me to run with bold ideas, and in doing so, helped me discover strengths I didn’t even know I had.

I’ll be available to support the handoff of my responsibilities and make the process as smooth as possible.

With sincere thanks,
Rebecca “Becky” Liu

Retirement letter to an employer

This one’s addressed to the employer who gave you your start or helped you grow. Keep it professional but personal enough to show how much the opportunity meant to you.

Check out this simple retirement letter to an employer:

Dear Mr. Kimura,

After much thought and planning, I’m writing to formally notify you of my retirement from WrightBuilt Construction Group, effective August 29, 2025.

It’s hard to put into words how much this company has meant to me. I still remember being hired as one of the first ten employees, and watching this company grow from a small organization to an industry leader has been nothing short of incredible.

I’ve learned so much about leadership, craftsmanship, and resilience from you. I’ll be available in the coming weeks to support the hiring and training of my successor.

Best regards,
Nick Alvarez

Retirement letter to employees

Your team looked to you for guidance, so this letter is your final official message as their leader. Be sincere, reflect on team wins, and express your confidence in their future.

Here’s how to write a retirement letter to your employees: 

Dear Team,

After nearly 20 years with Bluepoint, I’ll be officially retiring on July 26, 2025.

Working with this team has been a great privilege. Together, we’ve weathered audits, improved operations, launched new reporting systems, and made finance (almost) fun. I’ve watched many of you grow into leaders yourselves, and I know this department is in great hands.

I’ll be spending the coming months wrapping things up and helping with the transition. Please know how proud I am of everything we’ve accomplished together, and how excited I am to watch you continue to thrive.

All the best,
Patricia Delgado

Retirement letter to coworkers

A retirement letter to your team should be more personal and lighthearted. Think of it as your farewell message to the people who shared your lunch breaks, late nights, and inside jokes.

Take a look at this retirement letter to your colleagues:

Hey everyone,

It’s official, I’ll be retiring from MapleTech on June 21, 2025.

I’m equal parts excited and emotional about this next step. I’ve spent 14 years with the best team anyone could ask for. From onboarding calls to the madness of product launches, you’ve made every moment more meaningful (and entertaining).

I hope we can stay in touch — I’ll be at [email protected]. If you ever want to swap stories or need a sarcastic comment during a stressful shift, I’m only an email away.

With love and coffee-fueled memories,
Jeff Martin

Retirement letter to clients

A retirement letter to your clients can offer closure if you’ve built up rapport over the years. It gives them confidence in the person taking over and a warm thank-you for the relationship you’ve built.

Here’s an example retirement letter you can write to your clients:

Dear Clients,

After more than 25 years as a financial advisor, I will be retiring from Horizon Wealth Partners on September 30, 2025.

It’s been an honor helping so many of you plan for your future. Your trust and loyalty have meant more to me than words can express. I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve formed and the milestones we’ve reached together.

Moving forward, your accounts will be managed by my colleague, Julia Chen, who brings fresh insight and a deep commitment to client success. I’ll be working closely with her over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition.

Thank you again for allowing me to be part of your journey.

Warm regards,
Charlotte Allen

How to Tell Your Boss You Are Retiring

Want to speak with your boss in person before writing an official retirement letter? Here’s how to go about it: 

• Check your company’s retirement policies first. Before you say anything, take a look at your company handbook or contract. Some organizations have formal steps or timelines for announcing retirement. Knowing the process ahead of time helps you avoid surprises. 

• Pick the right time to break the news. Timing matters. You don’t want to spring it on your boss too close to your intended last day. A general rule of thumb is at least two weeks’ notice, but if you’ve been in a senior or long-standing role, several months might be more appropriate. 

• Think through what you want to say. Plan out your message before the conversation. You don’t need to have every detail figured out, but it helps to be clear about your retirement timeline and the reasons (in broad strokes) behind your decision. Be ready for a few questions, and try to keep the tone positive.

• Schedule a private conversation. This type of news deserves a face-to-face (or video call) chat, not a surprise email or hallway comment. Whether it’s formal or casual depends on your relationship, but either way, it should be a direct and respectful conversation. 

• Be open and honest (but professional). Share your intention to retire, your expected timeline, and your reasons if you’re comfortable. You can also express appreciation for the opportunities you’ve had along the way. 

• Offer to help with the transition. If you’re feeling generous, offer to help train someone or wrap up projects before your departure. It shows your commitment to leaving things in good shape and makes the transition easier for your team and leadership.

• Meet with HR to go over the details. After your initial conversation and letter, schedule a chat with HR. This is where you’ll discuss your final paycheck, unused vacation days, benefits, retirement plan distributions, and any equipment or materials you’ll need to return. It’s also a chance to ask questions about your retirement package.

• Keep the tone positive and gracious. Retiring is a major life milestone, and how you handle your exit says a lot. Stay gracious and professional, even if you can’t wait to walk out that door. You never know when you’ll need those future connections.

How Much Notice to Give When Retiring

Retirement doesn’t follow the same strict rules as simply resigning. While there are no strict rules about notice periods, it’s common courtesy to give a minimum of two weeks. That said, your company may have internal policies or expectations around notice periods, so check your employee handbook or speak with HR before making anything official.

While a two-week notice is the bare minimum, you can also give three to six months’ notice if you’re in a leadership role, or you’ve been with the company for a long time. This extra time lets your employer plan ahead, start recruiting, and ensure a smoother transition.

The general rule of thumb? The more complex your role, the more notice you should give. If you manage major projects or oversee a team, you can use those extra months to wrap up responsibilities, delegate tasks, and help train your replacement. Creating documentation or transition guides is a big help for whoever takes over your duties.

Summary 

Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about writing a retirement letter: 

• Your letter doesn’t need to be long or overly detailed. Aim for a one-page format clearly stating your intention to retire and your planned last working day.
• Maintain a professional tone, but add a personal touch if you have a closer relationship with your employer or if you’ve been working at the company for a while.
• Even though HR will eventually get a copy, you should address your retirement letter directly to your supervisor or manager, unless company policy says otherwise.
• Include your last day near the top of the letter. This helps your employer plan accordingly and avoids any confusion down the line.
• Take a moment to thank your employer for the opportunities and experiences you’ve had. A few thoughtful lines go a long way in showing appreciation.
• If you’re able (and willing), offer to help train your replacement or wrap up projects. It’s a professional and courteous way to ease your exit and help the team.
• Mention if you’re open to part-time or consulting work after retirement. Just a quick note can leave the door open for future opportunities.
• Briefly include anything you’ll need from HR, like information about your retirement plan, unused leave, or the return of company equipment.
• If you’d like to stay in touch, add your email or phone number. It’s a nice way to keep connections going after you leave.
• End with a warm but formal closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name. And don’t forget to proofread before sending.

FAQ

What to say in a retirement letter?

Your retirement letter should clearly state your intentions and your official last working day. Thank your employer for the opportunities you’ve had, or mention specific experiences or projects that were meaningful to you. 

Offer to assist with the transition, such as training a replacement, wrapping up key responsibilities, or creating handover documents. You can also ask if there’s any chance of doing consulting or freelance work after retirement. Keep your tone respectful and appreciative, reflecting the professionalism you’ve shown throughout your time with the company.

How to announce your retirement to coworkers?

Announcing your retirement to coworkers can be more personal and heartfelt than a formal letter to your employer. You might send a group email, make an announcement at a team meeting, or write individual notes to your closest colleagues.

Share your retirement date, express gratitude for the relationships and teamwork, and reflect briefly on your time together. Mention any plans you’re excited about, and thank them for their support, friendship, and collaboration over the years. 

Do you have to give notice when you retire?

While there’s no set legal rule on whether you have to give notice, two weeks is the general standard. However, three to six months is ideal if you’ve been with the company for years or are in a key role. Always check your employee handbook for specific company policies, and consider scheduling a meeting with HR to discuss the best timing and next steps.

How to end a retirement letter?

Close your retirement letter on a positive and appreciative note. Thank your employer again and express gratitude for your time with the company. If you’ve had a long tenure or strong relationships, you can also mention how much you’ve valued the team and the experiences. Follow with a simple closing like “Sincerely,” “Warm regards,” or “Best wishes,” followed by your full name. 

How do you write a goodbye retirement letter?

A goodbye retirement letter is your chance to say goodbye to your colleagues in a more personal, emotional way. Start by sharing your retirement date, then reflect on your journey, such as what you’ve learned, moments you’ve enjoyed, and how much you’ve appreciated your coworkers. 

Mention any standout memories, major milestones, or shared achievements. It’s okay to be nostalgic or lighthearted. Close with a warm thank-you and, if you’re open to it, share your email or phone number to stay connected. 

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