Grab A Bigger Opportunity: How to Write a Resignation Letter for Working Abroad

Migrating abroad can be a significant step in your life, and it is customary to notify your previous employer of your decision to leave the company. 

Whether you’re moving abroad for family reasons, to lower your cost of living, or simply for a change of environment, the professional step to take is to notify your employer of your decision by writing a resignation letter stating that you’ll be traveling abroad.

If you’re not sure how to properly draft this resignation letter, you can either continue reading or use the sample letters provided below. This will save your time and effort. 

What is a Resignation Letter for Working Abroad? 

It is an official letter that you give to your employer informing them of your resignation due to foreign travel. It is a necessary document that will ensure you leave an organization on a positive note. 

Because it is crucial to act professionally, this letter serves as an official notification to your boss of your resignation.

Writing a resignation letter is one of your last impressions on your employer, so make it an excellent one. A resignation letter serves as your official notice as well as being an important professional gesture. Writing this letter or email helps both you and your manager in easing the transition.

What to Include in your Resignation Letter? 

There are a few things to think about before you start writing your resignation letter. You must ensure that the letter is both professional and positive in tone. To do so, make sure to consider the following: 

• The details of your departure from the company: Keep your letter short and to the point. You don’t need to include significantly more than your resignation and the date of your last day of work. 
• Last day of employment: Along with asserting that you will be departing, the most important information to share is your last day of work. (Ideally, give the company at least two weeks’ notice.)
• Your thanks and appreciation: It’s also common practice to express gratitude for the opportunity. 
• An offer of help: While offering help and support during the transition is common, it is not required. You can offer your assistance if you are willing and have the time. You are not, however, obligated. 

Pre-Considerations 

Here are a few more things to think about before writing your own resignation letter:

• Decide your last day: Before you begin writing your resignation letter, set a date for your last day of job. You’ll want to give yourself sufficient time to properly relocate while also making the adjustment as smooth as possible for your employers and coworkers.
• Create a plan for informing your employer: Next, think of a plan for informing your employer of the news in the most diplomatic manner possible. Before submitting your resignation letter, check your schedule and of your boss, and then consider the best way to do so.
• Set up a meeting with your boss: It’s a wise idea to submit your resignation letter for travel abroad at least a few weeks before your last day of work. However, if you have so much time, you could notify your employer even sooner. 

Generally, any time between six weeks and two weeks early is regarded as the best time to inform your boss.

Steps In Writing This Letter

It is simple to write an appropriate resignation letter in order to work abroad. It takes a few steps to ensure that you come across as professional and considerate. The following are the essential steps in writing your letter:

Step 1: Address and date the letter

The first step is to ensure that the letter specifically indicates the date of submission. Include this information in the header section, as well as an address where your supervisor can reach you in the future if necessary. 

This section is critical because it serves as the starting point for your two weeks’ notice and provides your employers with information on how to contact you in the future.

Step 2: Indicate your purpose 

In formal documents, such as a resignation letter to move abroad, it is best to be direct and to the point. You should mention that you are leaving your job in the very first statement, then move on to the specifics. Make a point of mentioning your last day of work for the company to avoid any confusion. 

Step 3: Explain your situation 

After making a clear and direct first statement in the letter, the next step is to explain your situation and why you are leaving. There are numerous reasons why people relocate and being truthful ensures that you leave a favorable impression. 

If you are not comfortable stating the specific reasons for your relocation, it is appropriate to write that you are moving without any further explanation.

Step 4: Give specifics about your departure

Make sure to include more information about your exact departure time in this section. In other words, reaffirm your departure date and any other pertinent information.

Step 5: Express your appreciation 

It’s generally acceptable to use a phrase or two to express your gratitude for your time at the company. You’ll want to thank them for the opportunities they gave you and for helping you advance professionally.

This ensures that you leave on a positive note and that you can keep a good relationship with your work colleagues and employer. 

In your letter, you can express your gratitude in a variety of ways. You could, for example, mention some valuable skills you learned while working with them or explain how your manager has helped you professionally.

Step 6:  Make an offer to assist with the transition

This may vary depending on the company, but if you are presently focusing on any works, do your best to complete them before leaving. 

If you are unable to complete them, you should outline various possible ways to ease the transition process in your resignation letter so that your replacement can successfully execute them.

Step 7: Provide your contact details 

Provide your contact information so that your employer can follow up with you about any necessary requirement or problem that may arise. 

Note: If you’re sending an email version of this resignation letter, draft it first, then proofread it and double-check the subject line. Make sure the email contains all of the information you require, then send it to yourself. This way, you can see how the email will appear to the recipient and ensure that you are presenting your letter as professionally as possible.

Samples and Templates

Here are examples of Letter of Resignation Due to Working Abroad that you can use to help you craft your own. 

Sample Letter #1

Matthias Collins

126 Market St. 

San Francisco, CA 1234

012-345-6789

January 10, 2019

Ellaine France

Marketing Manager 

Marketing Company  

Dear Ellaine, 

I’m writing to give you two weeks’ notice that I will be leaving my position as social media marketer at Marketing Company on 25th of January, 2019 due to a relocation. I’ll be moving to Barcelona, Spain, at the end of the month to pursue professional opportunities there.

I’d like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to work at Marketing Company. As my supervisor, you have given me the inspiration and professional training I require to continue my development. I’m excited to pursue new opportunities in Barcelona, and I’m confident that my time here will be extremely valuable in the future.

Before I leave, I will make every effort in my power to complete any outstanding projects that I am currently working on. If a replacement is available, I will gladly train him or her so that they can successfully transition into their new role. If there is anything else I can do to help you with this process, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely, 

Signature (hard copy letter) 

Matthias Collins 

Sample Letter #2

Emily Evergreen

123 Market St. 

San Francisco, CA 5634 

431-347-0923 

Laila Crawford 

Head of Sales

Sales Company 

June 10, 2020 

Dear Laila, 

Please accept this letter as formal two-week notice of resignation from my position as Sales Representative, effective June 30th, 2020. I will be relocating to Melbourne, Australia, because my husband has accepted a Ph.D. program at Melbourne University, and I will be unable to keep working in New York as a matter of fact.

I am grateful for the time and training I garnered at the Sales Company. All of my supervisors and coworkers have provided me with significant professional growth in a positive working environment. I was especially proud of all the experience and confidence I gained as a Sales Representative under your guidance. Although working at this organization will be missed, this is a fantastic opportunity for my husband, and it is in the best interests of my family to adapt.

Before I leave, I will ensure that the new sales representative is fully trained and that all current clients are notified of the change so that daily business is not disrupted. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help with the transition.

Sincerely, 

Signature (hard copy letter) 

Emily Evergreen 

Letter Template

Your Name

Your Address

Your City, State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name 

Title

Organization 

Address

City, State Zip Code 

Dear (recipient’s name),

I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning from your company in three weeks. I would have preferred to retire with this company, but I simply cannot turn down this better offer from abroad.

When I think back, I remember how much fun I had with your company. I especially value the encouragement, warmth, love, and friendship that my coworkers extended to me during my time at your firm.

As ever though, I am available and willing to assist during the transition period. In the meantime, please contact me if you require any assistance or support. When called upon, I will be more than willing and ready to provide the same.

Thank you once more for the opportunity you provided me while I was at the firm. I also wish you luck in your future endeavors.

Sincerely, 

Signature

Your name 

Key Takeaways 

• In writing the resignation letter, it is best to indicate the purpose and mention your last day in work to avoid any confusion. 
• Always express appreciation and gratitude for the opportunities provided by the employer. 
• Form a plan in informing your employer about your resignation due to working abroad. 
• Ensure that you give specifics in your departure. 
• Keep it short and to the point, yet professional.