It is an official letter you hand over to your employer to inform them of your resignation due to traveling abroad. It is an essential document that will be required to make sure you leave an organization on a positive note. Itโs important to behave professionally, therefore this letter acts as a way to notify your boss of your resignation officially.
Relocating abroad can be an important step in your life, and itโs considered appropriate to respectfully inform your previous employer about why youโre deciding to leave the company. Whether youโre moving abroad based on family reasons, to reduce your cost of living, or simply for a change of place, the professionally correct step to take is to inform your employer of your decision by writing a resignation letter stating that youโre traveling abroad.
You should outline why youโre leaving when youโre leaving, and what youโll do to facilitate the transition process. This leaves your employer with the time and ability to calmly find a replacement and prevents your coworkers from being overloaded with excess work. If youโre not sure of how to correctly draft this letter, you can either continue reading ahead to find out or consider using the sample letters given below. This will help you save time and effort.
Examples
A sample letter can be incredibly helpful in making sure you include all the information you need to inform your employer of your relocation. Following are the resignation letter for traveling abroad templates:
Pre-Considerations
Before starting to draft your letter, there are a few considerations to take into account. You have to make sure that the letter is both professional and positively written.
To do so, make sure to take the following steps:
Decide your last day
Before starting to write your letter, itโs important to choose a date for your last working day. Youโll want to make sure that youโre giving yourself enough time to properly relocate, while also being able to make the transition as smooth as possible for your employers and coworkers.
However, if youโre not able to give a two weeks notice in the case of emergencies, you should explain the situation to your employer as clearly and promptly as possible.ย
Make a plan for notifying your boss
Next, youโll want to come up with a plan in the most tactful way to inform your employer of the news. Before handing in your letter, itโs a good idea to check your schedule and your boss, then think about the best way to hand in the letter.
Arrange a meeting with your boss
As a general rule, itโs a good idea to turn in your letter to travel abroad at least a few weeks before your final working day. However, in the case that you have more time available, you could inform your employer even earlier. Generally, any time between six weeks and two weeks early is considered the most appropriate window to break the news to your boss.
Unless there are special circumstances, you shouldnโt opt for emailing or calling your employer to inform them about your decision, as it can come off as impersonal and leave an unprofessional impression.
Writing a Resignation Letter Due to Travelling Abroad
Writing an appropriate letter so that you can travel abroad is a simple process. It requires a few steps to make sure you come off as professional and considerate. While you can always use a sample letter, make sure to personalize it so that it explains your situation correctly.
The essential steps include:
Step 1: Address and date the letter
The first thing to do is to make sure the letter clearly states the date of submitting it. In the header section, youโll want to include this information, as well as an address where you can be reached by your supervisor in the future if needed. This section is vital as it will function as the starting point for your two weeksโ notice as well as give your employers information on how to contact you in the future. Likewise, you should add the recipientโs contact information so that it is clear to whom the letter is addressed. You may also CC any other relevant supervisor or managers that should be in the loop but it should be mentioned underneath the signature line.
EXAMPLE
John Smith
101 Main St., Colombus OH, 12345
smith.john@gmail.com
March 15th, 20xx
Jonathon Wright
Regional Manager
Tech Company
21 Market St., Colombus OH, 12345
Step 2: State your purpose
In formal documents such as a letter, the best practice is to be direct and to the point in writing. Youโll want to mention that you are leaving your employment within the first sentence, then move on to the details afterward. Make sure you mention your last day of employment with the company so that there is no room for miscommunication.
EXAMPLE
I, John Smith, am writing to inform Jade Williams that March 31st, 20xx will be my last day at Tech Company, as I will be relocating to London.
Step 3: Explain your circumstances
After you give a clear and direct first statement within the letter, the next step is to appropriately explain your circumstances and why you are leaving. There are many reasons why people move and being honest helps make sure that you leave a positive final impression. If you are not comfortable stating the exact reasons why you are moving to a different area, itโs acceptable to simply write that you are relocating without further explanation.
EXAMPLE
Although I am content with my position at Tech Company, my partner has received a wonderful job offer at Media Company in London, so we as a family have decided to relocate and take up this opportunity.
Step 4: Give details of your departure
Within this same section, make sure you give some more details about your exact departure. In other words, restate when you will be leaving and any other relevant factors.
EXAMPLE
We will be flying out on April 5th, 20xx, so my final working day will be March 31st, to make sure I have enough time to properly prepare for my relocation.
Step 5: Express your appreciation
Itโs generally appropriate to use a sentence or two to express your appreciation for your time at the company. Youโll want to thank them for the opportunities they provided you and how you were able to improve professionally.
Doing this ensures that youโre leaving on a positive note and that you can continue to maintain a strong relationship with your coworkers and employer. There are many ways to express gratitude in your letter. For example, you could mention some valuable skills that you have developed while working with them or describe how your supervisor has helped you professionally.
EXAMPLE
Iโm deeply grateful for the time and opportunities Iโve had at Tech Company. My supervisor, Jade, has helped me greatly in terms of my professional development and skills in coding. Iโm positive that my time and training here will serve me well in the future.
Step 6: Offer to help with the transition
This may vary from company to company, but if you are currently working on any projects, itโs a good idea to do your best to finish them before leaving. If it is impossible to finish them, you should at least outline various possible ways to facilitate the transition process in your letter, so that your replacement can effectively complete them.
Itโs also considered professional to offer to train your replacement before you leave, this way there is no large disruption to the workflow. Likewise, youโll want to make sure that you keep any company belongings prepared and kept aside so that you can return anything that isnโt your asset.
EXAMPLE
As I am currently working on a project for App Company, I will make sure to finish the revisions to the current pages I am coding. If any replacements are coming in within these last two weeks, Iโll do everything in my power to make sure they are properly trained and know how to effectively carry out the job.
Step 7: Provide your contact details
Provide your contact details so that in case your employer needs to follow up with you, regarding any sort of requirement or problem that may arise, they can.
EXAMPLE
Subject: John Smith โ Resignation
note
In case of sending an email version of this letter, itโs a good idea to draft up the email first, then proofread it and check the subject line. Make sure that all the information you need is included in the email, then send it to yourself. This way you can check how the email would look like to the receiver and guarantee that you are presenting your letter as professionally as possible.
Sample Letters
Here are four sample letters of the letters that you can use to help you write your own:
sample 01
Dear Ms. Thompson,
I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign from my position as Project Manager at Vertex Solutions, effective December 8, 20XX. This decision has not been easy, but due to an upcoming relocation to another country, it is a necessary step for me to take.
My partner has recently accepted a significant career opportunity overseas, and after much discussion and consideration, we have decided it is in the best interest of our family to relocate together. This move will not only support my partner’s career growth but also provide us with a unique opportunity for personal and cultural enrichment.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Vertex Solutions and am deeply grateful for the experiences and opportunities I have had here. The projects I have been part of and the team I have worked with have been instrumental in my professional growth, and I will always value the time spent here.
I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition of my responsibilities before my departure. I am available to assist in training a replacement, as well as to provide detailed handover notes and guidance on all ongoing projects to ensure continuity and minimal disruption.
Please let me know how best I can facilitate this process over the coming weeks. It is important to me to conclude my tenure here on a positive note and to leave my projects and team in a strong position.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this transition. I hope to maintain the professional relationships I have built at Vertex Solutions and look forward to possibly crossing paths in the future under different circumstances.
Warm regards,
Elizabeth Martin
sample 02
Dear Mr. Rodriguez,
I am writing to notify you of my resignation from my role as Lead Graphic Designer at Creative Spectrum Inc., effective January 15, 20XX. This decision is a result of my family’s upcoming relocation to Germany due to my spouse’s new job opportunity.
I have greatly appreciated the creative freedom and support I’ve received at Creative Spectrum Inc. Working here has been an invaluable part of my career journey, and I am grateful for the experiences and the relationships I have built with my colleagues and clients.
To ensure a seamless transition, I am ready to assist in the recruitment and training of my successor and will diligently work to complete all current projects before my departure.
Thank you for understanding and supporting my decision to prioritize my family’s needs at this time. I hope to keep in touch and perhaps collaborate in some capacity in the future.
Sincerely,
Laura Bennett
sample 03
Dear Ms. Harper,
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position as IT Project Coordinator at TechFront Solutions, effective February 28, 20XX. The reason for my resignation is my family’s decision to relocate to Canada for personal and professional growth.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at TechFront Solutions and am grateful for the professional development and collaborative work environment here. The knowledge and skills I have gained are invaluable, and I will carry them forward in my career.
I am committed to a smooth transition and will ensure all my projects are up to date. I am also willing to help in any way possible during the recruitment and training of my replacement.
Thank you for your understanding and support. I am hopeful that our paths will cross again in the future.
Best regards,
Michael Chen
sample 04
Dear Dr. Walton,
I regret to inform you that I must resign from my position as a Research Analyst at Global Insights, effective March 20, 2024. This decision comes due to a significant family decision to relocate to Australia, where new opportunities await us.
My time at Global Insights has been incredibly rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunities to work on impactful research projects and for the mentorship I have received. The team’s dedication to excellence has deeply inspired me.
I will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition, including completing all pending research, documenting my work, and assisting in finding and training my replacement.
Thank you for your understanding and for the incredible opportunity to be a part of Global Insights. I hope to stay connected and perhaps collaborate in future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Daniel Kim
Analysis
Here are the key reasons why these sample letters serve as good examples for individuals writing resignation letters due to relocation:
- Professional Tone and Courtesy: All the sample letters maintain a professional and courteous tone. The writers express gratitude for their time at the company and the opportunities they had, which is a good reflection of their professional character.
- Positive Reflection on Experience: The letters reflect positively on the applicantsโ experiences and growth at the company. This not only shows appreciation but also helps maintain good relationships for potential future interactions.
- Offer of Assistance in Transition: An offer to assist in the transition, whether through training a replacement or completing pending projects, has also been mentioned by the writers in the letters. This demonstrates a responsible and team-oriented attitude, ensuring that their departure does not negatively impact the company.
- Advance Notice: Each letter provides an effective date well in advance, adhering to professional norms and possibly contractual obligations. This allows the company sufficient time to plan for the transition.
- Expression of Hope for Future Interaction: The desire to maintain professional relationships and possibly collaborate in the future is also expressed by the candidates in the letters. This networking aspect is beneficial for long-term career development.
Overall, these sample letters are well-crafted, respectful, and considerate, making them good examples for someone in a similar situation looking to write a resignation letter due to relocation. They balance professionalism with personal touch, clearly communicate the reason for leaving, and show a commitment to helping the organization transition smoothly
Best Practices
Whether youโre using a convenient sample or you are starting from scratch, there are a few essential tips that can be followed each time to attain excellence in your letter. Youโll want to make sure that your letter is professional and positive and leaves you on good terms.
To do so, consider carrying out the following best practices:
Keep a positive tone
The first thing you should remember is to keep your letter positive. Since this is technically a formal document that counts as a means of HR communication, youโll want to make sure youโre staying positive. Complaints or criticism shouldnโt be included in the letter, as itโs not appropriate according to the situation. Also, donโt forget that many employers will reach out to your previous places of employment before hiring you. This means that youโll want to hand in the letter with enough notice period available to leave on a positive note so that your previous employers can tell your incoming employer that you acted professionally.
Finally, make sure youโre honest about the fact that youโre resigning because of a relocation. Donโt allow your employers to come to a false conclusion by not stating the real reason, as this will only lead to miscommunication and unnecessary tension. Ultimately, your employer will be much more open to honest communication and more understanding if you explain to them exactly the motive behind your departure.
Be brief and direct
The letter needs to be just a few paragraphs long. You donโt want to waste a lot of your supervisorโs time by writing a lengthy letter. Instead, directly state that you are leaving and why.
Use a formal language
Formal and professional language is crucial to this type of document. Even if you are personally close to your supervisor, the letter is a formal document and it should be written formally. In a face-to-face conversation, you can be much more personal with your supervisor, but this permanent document should be kept as professional as possible.
Format in a proper way
Properly formatting your letter of resignation helps with readability and overall professionalism. Make sure you enter spaces between the header, body, and conclusion to make it easy to read. The letter should not be more than one page, and the font size should be between 10 and 12 points. Use the traditional font style, such as Times New Roman, and align your document with the left alignment. The goal is to have clear, formal writing that briefly expresses your intent to resign.
Proofread
Proofreading is essential. First, youโll want to create a sample letter and then re-read it before submitting the final draft. In the first stage of editing, make sure to focus on both the flow and the clarity. It should have simple transitions with brief, clear language. Once youโre satisfied with the content overall, double-check again for any spelling and grammatical errors or punctuation mistakes. Finally, it can be a good idea to print out the letter and read it out loud to make sure you make no mistakes.
Submit a copy to both the manager and HR
Make sure to submit a copy of your letter to both the direct supervisor and the HR department. Having this letter in writing is not only appropriate professionally, but it can also help protect you from retaliation.
EXAMPLE
If you only give your notice verbally, an employer could fire you even earlier deliberately. In addition, your new employer may mistake your resignation for termination only because of the absence of this letter. Therefore, write the letter and submit an extra copy to your companyโs HR department as well.
Key Takeaways
A resignation letter to travel abroad is a formal document that many professionals may need in their lifetime. Since people relocate for many reasons, formally leaving your place of employment is a common occurrence.
The most important thing to remember when writing this formal letter is maintaining a high level of professionalism in specific writing factors and being honest. This ensures that you are living on good terms and that you will have an easy transition into your next place of employment.