Can I withdraw my resignation in the Netherlands?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Your own resignation has no general statutory cooling-off period under Dutch law. Ask your employer promptly, in writing, to reverse it. Whether your statement legally amounts to resignation also depends on its wording and circumstances.
On this page
1. Identify the document
Resigning yourself differs from signing a termination agreement (VSO). A VSO generally has a 14-day cooling-off period, extended to three weeks if the employer omitted the cooling-off information. Do not assume that this applies to your own resignation. Keep the complete document and receipt date.
2. Anger, pressure and intention
Resignation requires a clear, unambiguous statement intended to end employment. Depending on the circumstances, the employer must investigate your intention and explain the consequences. Emotion does not automatically invalidate resignation. In a 2022 interim judgment, the court considered the context of an email and the employee continuing to work. Your case may differ.
3. Take practical steps now
Explain promptly in writing what you meant and why you want to withdraw your statement. Request written confirmation of arrangements for continuing or resuming work. Keep replies and seek employment-law advice promptly if there is refusal, pressure or uncertainty. Do not simply stop working; discuss illness or unsafe conditions separately. Requesting withdrawal does not guarantee your job back.
Is regret enough?
No. A deliberate, clear resignation cannot be unilaterally reversed just because you regret it. Ask the employer to agree. If you did not intend to resign, have the statement, context and employer’s response assessed.
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Complete resignation message or signed agreement
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Sources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
UWV · Zelf ontslag nemen ↗Rijksoverheid · Bedenktijd ↗Rechtspraak · ECLI:NL:RBNHO:2022:11901 ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.