Resignation Letter Singapore: Copyable Template, Notice Periods, and Final Pay

Start with a simple written resignation

Need to resign from your job in Singapore? Start with a short written resignation letter, check your notice period, then confirm your last working day. Your resignation does not need to be dramatic. Put it in writing, state your last day clearly, and follow your employment contract.

Below are copyable templates, plus the Singapore rules on notice period, final salary, annual leave, and handover.

Resignation letter template Singapore

Copy, edit, and send this by email or printed letter.

Subject: Resignation - [Your Name] Dear [Manager's Name], Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. In line with my employment contract, I will serve my notice period of [notice period]. My last working day will be [date]. Thank you for the opportunities and support during my time with the company. I will do my best to complete my handover and assist with the transition before my last day. Please let me know the next steps for clearance, final salary, and return of company property. Sincerely, [Your Name]

You do not need to explain where you are going, why you are leaving, or what went wrong.

Short resignation letter sample

Use this if your workplace prefers direct emails.

Subject: Resignation - [Your Name] Dear [Manager's Name], I am writing to resign from my role as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I will serve my contractual notice period of [notice period], and my last working day will be [date]. Thank you for the guidance and support. I will prepare my handover before my last day. Regards, [Your Name]

Immediate resignation or salary in lieu template

If you cannot serve the full notice period, state clearly that you are asking to leave earlier and that salary in lieu of notice may apply.

Subject: Resignation and Request for Early Release - [Your Name] Dear [Manager's Name], Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I understand that my contractual notice period is [notice period]. I would like to request for my last working day to be [date], which is earlier than the full notice period. If the company is unable to waive the remaining notice period, I understand that salary in lieu of notice may be payable for the unserved period. I will assist with handover as much as possible before my last day. Please let me know the next steps for clearance, final salary, and return of company property. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Add one short reason only if needed.

What to check before sending your resignation

Before you hit send, check your employment contract. Your notice period should be stated there. It may be one week, two weeks, one month, two months, or another period. Your contract is what matters.

If you are still on probation, check that clause too. Probation often has a shorter notice period.

Count your last working day properly. MOM says notice starts from the day notice is given, and weekends and public holidays are included.

Look at your annual leave balance. You can ask to use leave during notice or offset notice with leave, but MOM states this needs your employer's approval.

Prepare for handover. Save a list of open tasks, deadlines, client contacts, recurring reports, and files your replacement will need.

Notice period rules in Singapore

In Singapore, resignation should be in writing. MOM says email is acceptable, so you do not need a physical letter unless your company specifically asks for one.

Your employer cannot reject your resignation if you serve the required notice or pay salary in lieu of notice. They may ask you to reconsider or negotiate your last day, but they cannot force you to stay once you have resigned properly.

The notice period is usually the one in your employment contract. If your contract does not state one, the Employment Act sets minimum notice periods based on length of service.

The same notice period should apply to both employer and employee.

• Less than 26 weeks of service: 1 day.
• 26 weeks to less than 2 years: 1 week.
• 2 years to less than 5 years: 2 weeks.
• 5 years or more: 4 weeks.

Final salary and salary in lieu

If you serve your notice period, MOM says your final salary should be paid on your last day of employment.

If you resign without notice and do not serve the notice period, final salary is due within seven days from your last day.

Salary in lieu is calculated using your gross rate of pay for the notice period not served. If you are supposed to serve one month but leave immediately, you may need to pay one month's gross salary in lieu unless your employer waives it.

Do not rely on a casual verbal agreement for early release. Ask HR or your manager to confirm the last working day, whether any notice is waived, and how final salary will be handled.

Also check commission, bonuses, allowances, and reimbursement claims. Some payments depend on your contract or company policy.

Common resignation mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is sending an angry resignation letter. Even if the job has been rough, keep the letter boring and professional.

Another mistake is getting the last day wrong. Notice includes weekends and public holidays, so put your proposed last day in the email and ask HR to confirm it.

Some employees assume annual leave can automatically shorten notice. It cannot unless the employer agrees.

People also forget clearance. Return laptop, access card, uniforms, documents, tokens, corporate credit cards, and any other company property.

Finally, do not resign before checking your new offer carefully. Make sure you have the signed offer, agreed salary, start date, work location, benefits, and any work pass matters sorted.

After sending your resignation

Ask HR to confirm your last day, final salary date, leave balance, clearance steps, and handover expectations.

Once your dates are sorted, search for your next Singapore role on ApplyLah and compare jobs that fit your notice period and start date.