What Is Relieving Letter?
A relieving letter is an official document issued by the employer when an employee leaves the organisation, confirming that resignation or termination has been accepted and that the employee has been formally released from duties. It typically notes the last working day, confirms that all obligations and handovers are complete, and states that the employee has no outstanding dues with the company.
Why Relieving Letter Matters for Employee Exit and Future Employment
The relieving letter serves as formal proof that the employee’s tenure with the organisation has ended on good terms and that all responsibilities have been settled. For the departing employee, it ensures a clean exit and facilitates onboarding with a new employer. For the organisation, it provides documented confirmation of exit formalities and helps avoid future disputes about clearance or return of company property.
What a Proper Relieving Letter Should Contain
- Employee details — full name, designation, department (or similar role identifiers).
- Employment period — date of joining and last working day or effective exit date.
- Resignation/exit confirmation — statement that resignation/termination was received and accepted, or contract ended.
- No-dues / clearance status — confirmation that all company dues, assets, or obligations have been settled.
- Formal sign-off — signature from authorized company representative (HR or manager) and, ideally, company letterhead or stamp.
- Optional courteous closing — brief acknowledgement of employee’s service and best wishes for future endeavours.
A well-crafted relieving letter ensures clarity, professionalism and smooth transition — protecting both the organisation and the employee in post-employment processes and future job changes.
