Resigning in Sweden needs more than just a wave goodbye; it requires a resignation letter (both legally and to leave a good impression with your former employer)

The point of this article is for it to become your compass through the process, ensuring you include all necessary details while adhering to Swedish norms. From identifying your notice period to structuring the letter with the must-haves and must-nots, and finally, delivering it in the most appropriate manner.

Let’s do it.

How to Write a Resignation Letter in Sweden

So, let’s say you decided to quit your job, whether that is because they didn’t get the paycheck you wanted or because you couldn’t take your vacation days when you wanted.

Writing a resignation letter is a crucial step in the process that deals with how to quit a job in Sweden.

Your resignation letter should be concise yet comprehensive, containing the following elements:

Personal Information

Description: This includes your full name, address, and contact details.

Why It’s Included: Ensures the letter can be filed correctly and allows for any necessary follow-up.

Company’s Information

Description: The name and address of your employer.

Why It’s Included: Directs the letter to the right place within the organization.

Date

Description: The date when the letter is written.

Why It’s Included: Provides a timestamp for your notice period.

Subject Line

Description: A clear mention of “termination” to signify the letter’s purpose.

Why It’s Included: Immediately clarifies the intent of the letter to the recipient.

Example: EN: Notice of Termination of Employment SE: Meddelande om Uppsägning av Anställning

Formal Salutation

Description: A polite greeting to the recipient. Typically, your resignation letter should be addressed to your direct supervisor. However, it’s wise to verify with HR whom exactly the letter should be directed to ensure it reaches the appropriate person.

Why It’s Included: Shows respect and professionalism.

Example: EN: To [Boss’s Name], SE: Till [Chefens Namn],

Job Resignation Paragraph

Description: States your intention to resign.

Why It’s Included: Officially communicates your decision to leave.

Example: EN: I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Position] with [Company’s Name]. SE: Jag skriver för att formellt säga upp mig från min tjänst som [Din Position] hos [Företagets Namn].

Last Day at Work

Description: Specifies your intended last day, considering the notice period.

Why It’s Included: Clarifies when your resignation will take effect.

Example: EN: My last day of employment will be [Date], as per the required notice period. SE: Min sista arbetsdag kommer att vara [Datum], enligt den erforderliga uppsägningstiden.

Reason for Leaving (Optional)

Description: Optionally, you can mention why you’re leaving (i.e. you got an offer with a bigger salary, you want a change of careers, you want a more flexible working schedule, etc).

Why It’s Included: Offers closure or feedback, though it’s not mandatory.

You might be interested in: What is a good salary in Sweden?

Example: EN: I have decided to resign to pursue further educational opportunities. SE: Jag har beslutat att säga upp mig för att söka vidare utbildningsmöjligheter.

Request For A Work Reference (Optional)

Description: You may ask for a reference for future employment.

Why It’s Included: Can assist in your next job application.

Example: EN: I would appreciate it if you could provide me with a reference for my future employment endeavors. SE: Jag skulle uppskatta om du kunde ge mig en referens för mina framtida anställningssträvanden.

Say Thank You (Optional)

Description: Express gratitude for the opportunity and experience.

Why It’s Included: Leaves on a positive note, maintaining good relations.

Example: EN: I would like to thank you for the opportunities for professional and personal development that you have provided me during my time at [Company’s Name]. SE: Jag vill tacka för de möjligheter till professionell och personlig utveckling som ni har gett mig under min tid på [Företagets Namn].

Complimentary Closing

Description: A formal sign-off before your signature.

Why It’s Included: Concludes the letter in a respectful manner.

Example: EN: Sincerely, SE: Med vänliga hälsningar,

Your Signature & Name

Description: Your handwritten signature followed by your typed name.

Why It’s Included: Personalizes and authenticates the document.

Tips to Write Resignation Letter in Sweden

Just like there are tips with writing a CV or a cover letter, there are also tips to make sure you’ll write the best resignation letter possible.

Here are some tips I came up with:

Find The Notice Period

(I understand this might seem obvious, but I’m giving this advice to those who might not have extensive work experience and are unsure about where to locate the notice period.)

Before drafting your letter, you must determine your notice period, which is typically outlined in your employment contract or the collective agreement.

Keep in mind that the notice period is the duration you must continue working after handing in your resignation letter to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your employer.

Follow these steps to find the notice period:

1. Consult Your Employment Contract: This is the primary source for your notice period details.
2. Check Any Applicable Collective Agreement: If you’re part of a union, the collective agreement may specify your notice period.
3. Ask HR: If you’re unsure, HR can clarify the notice period for you. They are obligated to help you.

What to Avoid in Your Resignation Letter

Certain details should be left out of your resignation letter to maintain professionalism:

• Future Plans: Avoid discussing what you plan to do next.
• Feedback: This is not the appropriate time to provide feedback to your employer.

Proofread & Print

Before handing in your resignation letter, take the time to:

• Proofread: Check for any spelling or grammatical errors. Making your significant other or a family member read the resignation letter is also a nice idea as a new set of fresh eyes could catch mistakes that you aren’t able to
• Print: If you plan to deliver your resignation letter in person, ensure it’s neatly printed as it will make you look much better

Resignation Letter Template

Here’s a resignation template I often recommend in English:

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
City, Postcode
[Your Email]
[Date]

[Company's Name]
[Company's Address]
City, Postcode

Subject: Notice of Termination of Employment

Dear [Your Boss's Name],

I am writing to formally announce my resignation from my position as [Your Position] at [Company's Name], effective [Last Working Day], in accordance with the notice period required by my employment contract.

This decision has not been easy and reflects my desire to pursue new opportunities that align with my personal and professional growth. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to work with [Company's Name]. The experiences I have gained during my tenure have been invaluable, and I am truly thankful for the support and guidance provided by you and the team.

If possible, I would appreciate it if you could provide me with a reference for my future employment endeavors. I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and am willing to assist in any way to hand over my responsibilities effectively.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to be a part of [Company's Name]. I look forward to staying in touch, and I wish the company continued success in the future.

Sincerely,

[Handwritten Signature]
[Your Full Name]

Here’s the same quitting letter but, this time, redacted in Swedish:

[Ditt fullständiga namn]
[Din adress]
Stad, Postnummer
[Din e-post]
[Datum]

[Företagets namn]
[Företagets adress]
Stad, Postnummer

Ämne: Meddelande om Uppsägning av Anställning

Kära [Din chef's namn],

Jag skriver för att formellt meddela min uppsägning från min position som [Din Position] på [Företagets Namn], med verkan [Sista Arbetsdag], i enlighet med den uppsägningstid som krävs av mitt anställningsavtal.

Detta beslut har inte varit lätt och speglar min önskan att förfölja nya möjligheter som ligger i linje med min personliga och professionella tillväxt. Jag vill uttrycka min uppriktiga tacksamhet för möjligheten att arbeta med [Företagets Namn]. De erfarenheter jag har fått under min tid i företaget har varit ovärderliga, och jag är verkligen tacksam för det stöd och den vägledning som du och teamet har tillhandahållit.

Om möjligt skulle jag uppskatta om du kunde ge mig en referens för mina framtida anställningssträvanden. Jag är engagerad i att säkerställa en smidig övergång och är villig att hjälpa till på alla sätt för att effektivt överlämna mina ansvarsområden.

Tack än en gång för möjligheten att vara en del av [Företagets Namn]. Jag ser fram emot att hålla kontakten, och jag önskar företaget fortsatt framgång i framtiden.

Med vänliga hälsningar,

[Handskriven Signatur]
[Ditt Fullständiga Namn]

You might be interested in: Can I work in Sweden without speaking Swedish?

How to Hand In a Resignation Letter in Sweden

Once your resignation letter is ready, it’s time to hand it in.

But, how are you supposed to hand it in?

Here are the two methods I know of:

In Person (Recommended)

I believe that handing in your resignation letter in person is highly recommended in Sweden as this approach is not only a mark of respect to your employer but also provides an opportunity for a direct and open conversation about your departure.

I know, doing it in person is kind of uncomfortable (just like declining a job offer is). But I really recommend doing it.

It allows you to discuss your notice period, the reasons for your resignation (if you choose to disclose them), and how you can support the transition process.

Furthermore, it ensures there is no ambiguity about the date your resignation was submitted, which can be important for determining your last working day.

So, what should you do to hand it in?

Well, first, schedule a meeting with your direct supervisor or the HR manager explaining that you have made a decision to resign and wish to discuss the next steps.

During the meeting, hand over your printed resignation letter.

This personal interaction is valuable and helps maintain a positive relationship with your employer, which can be beneficial for future references.

By Registered Post

If, for some reason, resigning in person is not possible (for instance, if you are working remotely), the next best option is to send your resignation letter by registered post.

This method provides a record of the date your letter was sent and received, which is crucial for establishing the start of your notice period.

This is very important as, in Sweden, your notice period begins when your employer receives your resignation, not when you send it.

That’s why I always recommend to send your resignation letter via registered post and to keep a copy of the receipt or any tracking information as this documentation will serve as proof of the date you sent the letter.

Should I Write Resignation Letter in Swedish or English?

Generally, it’s advisable to write your resignation letter in the language that is most commonly used in your workplace.

However, here are a few considerations to guide your decision:

1. Workplace Language: If the primary language of communication at your workplace is Swedish, it would be respectful and appropriate to write your resignation letter in Swedish. This ensures that your letter is easily understood by your employer and HR department, facilitating a smoother transition process.
2. Your Comfort Level: If your proficiency in Swedish is not strong, it’s important to express your resignation clearly and accurately. In this case, writing in English, especially if your contract and other official communications have been provided in English as well, is perfectly acceptable. It’s more important that your intentions and the details of your resignation are communicated effectively.
3. Seek Advice: When in doubt, consult with your HR department or a trusted Swedish colleague. They can offer advice on the preferred practice within the company and may even assist you in drafting the letter to ensure it meets the expected standards.
4. Consider a Dual-Language Letter: If you’re concerned about ensuring clear communication, you could consider writing your resignation letter in English but including a Swedish translation. This approach demonstrates respect for the local language and culture while ensuring your message is conveyed accurately.