Resignation Notice Period & Formal Letter Generator

French resignation notice: end date calculation and letter

French labour law sets no resignation notice period for a permanent contract (CDI): it comes from the collective agreement, the contract or custom, often 1 to 2 months for non-executive staff and 3 months for executives (cadres). Notice runs from the first presentation of the registered letter or its hand delivery; the tool adds the chosen length to that date and drafts the matching letter in French.

How the tool calculates

Months are counted from date to date starting on the notification date: one month’s notice starting on the 14th ends on the 14th of the following month. If that date does not exist in the final month, notice ends on the last day of that month, following the rule for deadlines in months in the French Code of Civil Procedure. Extra days are then added. The tool shows that last day (the contract ends that evening) and the calendar days left. Defaults: 3 months for an executive CDI, 1 month for non-executive staff, 2 days (48 hours) to end a trial period; change them to match your collective agreement or contract.

Examples

• Letter presented on 14 October 2026, executive, 3 months: ends 14 January 2027; non-executive, 1 month: 14 November 2026.
• 31 January 2026 + 1 month: 28 February 2026. 30 November 2026 + 3 months: 28 February 2027.
• Trial period, 48 hours from 14 October 2026: 16 October 2026.

The generated letter

The letter, in French, states the subject, the delivery method (registered with acknowledgement of receipt or hand delivery against receipt), the notice length and end date, and asks for the final pay statement, employment certificate and France Travail certificate. With the waiver option it asks for early release; granted at your request, it carries no payment in lieu of notice.

Limits

• The 24-hour notice for under 8 days of presence is not offered automatically.
• Special cases (sales reps, journalists, Alsace-Moselle, pregnancy) are not handled.

This applies French law and does not replace your agreement or legal advice.

Sources and dates: French Labour Code, article L1237-1 (notice set by law, agreement or custom, in force since 01/05/2008) and article L1221-26 (48 hours, 24 hours before 8 days of presence, version of 27/06/2008); French Code of Civil Procedure, article 641 (deadlines in months, in force since 01/01/1976); service-public.gouv.fr, resigning from a CDI (updated 08/07/2026) (checked 14/10/2026)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the resignation notice period on a French CDI?

The law sets no length: it comes from the collective agreement, then the contract, then custom (French Labour Code, article L1237-1). In practice it is often 1 to 2 months for employees and 3 months for executives; the tool suggests 1 and 3 months, which you can change.

When does resignation notice start and end in France?

Notice starts on the date La Poste first presents the registered letter, or the day it is handed over against a receipt, and is then counted from date to date. For a letter presented on 14 October 2026 with 3 months’ notice, the tool gives 14 January 2027; for a start on 31 January 2026 and 1 month, it uses 28 February 2026, the last day of the month.

How much notice do you give to leave during a French trial period?

An employee ending the trial period must give 48 hours’ notice, or 24 hours if present in the company for less than 8 days (article L1221-26). The tool defaults to 2 days; reduce it to 1 day in the second case.

Can you be released from your notice after resigning?

Yes, if the employer agrees to your request, preferably in writing; the part not worked is then unpaid. If the employer releases you on its own initiative, it owes you payment in lieu of notice.

Is this tool really free?

Yes, all tools on Kristools are 100% free and accessible without registration.

Is my data protected?

Yes. All processing is performed directly and securely inside your browser. No personal data is sent to our servers.