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Resignation letter due to relocation

Moving to a new city or country? This resignation letter due to relocation names the move in one line, gives your last working day, and leaves the door open to remote work or a transfer if you'd like to stay. Relocation is one of the easiest reasons to resign with: nobody takes it personally, so the letter can be short and warm.

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[Your Name]

[Your Email] | [Your Phone]

[Date]

[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]

Re: Resignation – [Your Job Title]

Dear [Manager's Name],

Please accept this letter as notice that I am resigning from my role as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name]. My last working day will be [Last Working Day].

My family and I are relocating to [City] at the end of [Month], so I won't be able to continue in my role here. This wasn't an easy decision. I've valued the work, the team and your support over the past [number] years.

If there's a way for me to keep working remotely, or to move to the [City] office, I'd be glad to talk about it. If not, I'll spend my notice period documenting my work and handing my accounts over to [Colleague's Name], and I'm happy to answer questions by email after I move.

Thank you for everything. I hope we stay in touch, and I'd be grateful for a reference as I look for work in [City].

With thanks,

[Your Name]

Template · fill in the [bracketed] parts

Copy the template

[Your Name]
[Your Email] | [Your Phone]

[Date]
[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]

Subject: Resignation – [Your Job Title]

Dear [Manager's Name],

Please accept this letter as notice that I am resigning from my role as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name]. My last working day will be [Last Working Day].

My family and I are relocating to [City] at the end of [Month], so I won't be able to continue in my role here. This wasn't an easy decision. I've valued the work, the team and your support over the past [number] years.

If there's a way for me to keep working remotely, or to move to the [City] office, I'd be glad to talk about it. If not, I'll spend my notice period documenting my work and handing my accounts over to [Colleague's Name], and I'm happy to answer questions by email after I move.

Thank you for everything. I hope we stay in touch, and I'd be grateful for a reference as I look for work in [City].

With thanks,
[Your Name]

Replace every [bracketed] part before sending. Check your contract for your notice period.

Tips before you send it

  1. 01

    Ask about remote work before you resign

    If you like the job, have the conversation first. Once the letter is in, the company starts planning your replacement, and a remote arrangement is harder to agree.

  2. 02

    Check what you owe for your own relocation

    If the company paid to move you here, look for a repayment clause in your offer letter or relocation agreement. Many ask for some or all of it back if you leave within 12 to 24 months.

  3. 03

    Work back from your moving date

    Count your notice period back from the day the movers come, not forward from today. Leave a few days between your last day and the move for packing and paperwork.

  4. 04

    Ask for a reference in writing

    References from a manager in another city are easy to lose track of. A short reference letter, or a LinkedIn recommendation, before you leave saves a chase later.

The letter, part by part

The reason, in one line

"My family and I are relocating to [City]" explains everything a manager needs. Naming the city helps if you want a reference or a transfer there; leave it out if you'd rather not say.

A word on the decision

"This wasn't an easy decision" tells your manager you're leaving the place, not the job. That's the main message of a relocation letter, and it keeps references warm.

The remote or transfer question

One sentence asks whether you could stay remotely or move offices, without making it a condition. Delete it if you've already discussed it or don't want the option.

The handover

Naming the colleague who will take over your accounts, and offering to answer questions after the move, removes your manager's biggest worry about losing you.

The reference request

Ending with a request for a reference fits a relocation better than any other resignation: you'll be job hunting in a city where nobody knows your work yet.

Other ways to word it

Partner's job transfer

My husband has accepted a position in Denver, and we'll be moving there in August. I'll need to resign, with my last working day on July 25. I've loved working on this team and I'm sorry to be leaving it.

Moving abroad

I'm relocating to Toronto in the new year, so I'm resigning from my role, with my last working day on December 19. I'll make sure my clients are introduced to their new contact before I go.

Moving back to be near family

I've decided to move back to Pune to be closer to my parents, so I'm resigning from my position as Senior Accountant. As per my 60-day notice period, my last working day will be March 31.

Asking for a transfer instead

I'll be relocating to Austin in September. Before I resign, I wanted to ask whether there's an opening in the Austin office or a way to keep my role remotely. If not, please treat this as my notice, with my last day on August 29.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Resigning before asking about remote work

    If you'd stay on remotely, ask first. Once your replacement is being hired, the company has less reason to say yes.

  • Forgetting the relocation repayment clause

    A last day a few weeks too early can cost you thousands if your original relocation package has a time-based clawback. Check the date before you choose yours.

  • Leaving no forwarding details

    Final pay slips, tax forms, a relieving letter or benefits paperwork may need to reach your new address. Give HR a personal email and your new address.

  • A long story about the move

    Your manager doesn't need the details of the house, the school or the job market. One line about the move is enough.

Key takeaways

  • Name the move in one line; the details are optional.
  • Ask about remote work or a transfer before you resign, not after.
  • Check for a relocation repayment clause before you set your last day.
  • Leave a personal email and new address for final pay and paperwork.

Questions

How do I write a resignation letter due to relocation?
Address your manager, say you're resigning because you're relocating (naming the city is optional), give your last working day, offer a handover, and thank them. If you'd consider staying remotely or transferring, ask in one sentence. The template above follows that order.
Do I have to say why I'm moving?
No. "I'm relocating to [City]" is a complete reason. Whether it's a partner's new job, family or cost of living is up to you to share.
How much notice should I give when relocating?
Your contracted notice period: often two weeks in the US, and 30 to 90 days in many Indian companies. If your move date is fixed, tell your manager as soon as it is, even before the formal letter, so the handover isn't rushed.
Can I ask to work remotely in my resignation letter?
Yes, if you'd genuinely take it. One sentence is enough: "If there's a way for me to keep working remotely, I'd be glad to talk about it." Better still, ask your manager in person before you send the letter.
Will I have to repay relocation expenses if I quit?
Possibly, if the company paid for your move to this job. Check your offer letter or relocation agreement for a clawback clause; many require repayment if you leave within a set period, often one or two years. Ask HR for the amount before you set your last day.
What if I'm relocating abroad?
Use the same letter and name the country. Give the full notice if you can, ask HR how final pay and benefits will reach a foreign bank account, and update your personal email and address for tax forms and your relieving or experience letter.

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