Document background
The Voluntary Retirement Letter is a crucial document in German employment relations, serving as the formal mechanism through which an employee communicates their decision to retire to their employer. It must comply with German employment law requirements, particularly the BGB (German Civil Code) regarding termination notices and the SGB VI (Social Security Code) concerning retirement benefits. This document is typically used when an employee reaches retirement age or decides to take early retirement, and should include specific information such as the last working day, personal details, and current position. The letter initiates the retirement process and may trigger various administrative procedures including pension arrangements, benefits calculations, and handover planning. Understanding the proper format and content of this document is essential as it has legal implications and affects both the employee's retirement benefits and the employer's succession planning.
