A relieving letter is issued by the employer on or after the last working day, confirming that the employee has been formally relieved of all duties. The next employer asks for it at the time of joining, and without it, joining a new company can be delayed or rescinded.

Relieving Letter Format (India HR Template)

A relieving letter is issued by the employer on or after the last working day, confirming that the employee has been formally relieved of all duties. The next employer asks for it at the time of joining, and without it, joining a new company can be delayed or rescinded.

What a Relieving Letter must include

  • Date of letter (on or after last working day)
  • Employee's name, ID, designation, and department
  • Date of joining and last working day
  • Statement that notice period was served (or settled)
  • Confirmation that full and final settlement is complete
  • Statement that no dues are outstanding either way
  • Wishes for future and authorised signatory

Drafting tips

  • Issue the relieving letter on or within 7 days of the last working day. Delays here are the #1 reason employees get stuck on next-employer joining.
  • Keep it factual. Wishes-and-thanks are fine, but don't add performance-grade language. That belongs in the experience letter.
  • If notice was bought out, change the wording from "served the notice period" to "settled the notice period via buyout".

Relieving Letter format

[Date: DD MMM YYYY]

[Employee Full Name]
Employee ID: [Employee ID]
[Designation], [Department]

Subject: Relieving Letter

Dear [First Name],

This is to confirm that you have been relieved from the services of [Company Name] with effect from [Last Working Day], pursuant to your resignation dated [Resignation Date].

You joined the Company on [Joining Date] as [Original Designation] and last held the position of [Final Designation] in the [Department] department. Your service with the Company spanned [X years, Y months].

You have served the [60/90]-day notice period as required under the terms of your appointment, and your full and final settlement, including salary, leave encashment, and gratuity (if applicable), has been processed.

This is to certify that on the date of your relieving, no amounts are due from you to the Company nor from the Company to you. All Company assets, access cards, and confidential information in your possession have been duly returned.

We thank you for your contribution during your tenure and wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Sincerely,

____________________________
[HR Head Name]
[Designation]
[Company Name]

FAQs

Can a company refuse to issue a relieving letter?

Not legitimately. As long as the employee has served notice (or paid buyout) and returned all assets, the relieving letter is the employee's right. Refusal can be challenged via a labour commissioner.

What's the difference between a relieving letter and an experience letter?

Relieving letter confirms the exit and that no dues remain. Experience letter is a separate testimonial-style document covering tenure, role, and (optionally) performance.

Is a relieving letter mandatory for joining a new company?

Most reputable employers require it as proof that the candidate is no longer employed elsewhere. Without it, dual-employment risks arise.