Rupture conventionnelle in France: request letter and withdrawal letter

Quick answer

A rupture conventionnelle ends a permanent contract (CDI) by mutual agreement between employee and employer. It opens the right to unemployment benefits and to a severance at least equal to the legal dismissal indemnity. The procedure runs in three stages: at least one preliminary interview, the signing of the Cerfa n° 14598*01 agreement, then administrative approval (homologation) by the DREETS. Two letters matter — the request letter to open discussions and, if you change your mind, the withdrawal letter within 15 calendar days. Both should go by registered AR so the date is provable.

A rupture conventionnelle is the only way to leave a CDI by agreement while keeping your right to unemployment benefits (France Travail) — unlike a resignation. But it cannot be imposed by either side: it must be freely negotiated. Here is how the procedure works and which letters to send.

1. Rupture conventionnelle, resignation or dismissal?

This is what makes the rupture conventionnelle attractive: you leave on agreed terms, with severance, and you can register with France Travail.

2. The procedure, step by step

1. Request — either party proposes a rupture conventionnelle. A written request is not legally mandatory, but a dated registered AR letter sets a clear starting point and a paper trail.
2. Preliminary interview — at least one interview is required (art. L1237-12). You may be assisted by a staff representative or an conseiller du salarié. The end date, the severance amount and the practical terms are discussed.
3. Signing the agreement — both parties sign the Cerfa n° 14598*01, each keeping an original. The employee must receive a copy, otherwise the agreement can be voided.
4. Withdrawal period — 15 calendar days run from the day after signature. Either side can withdraw, without reason, by a letter whose receipt date is provable.
5. Approval (homologation) — after the 15 days, the most diligent party files the request on TéléRC. The DREETS has 15 working days to check the agreement. No answer means tacit approval.
6. End of contract — the contract ends on the agreed date, never before the day after approval.

3. The 15-day withdrawal right

This is the safeguard the law gives you. From the day after signature, you have 15 calendar days to change your mind — no justification needed (art. L1237-13).

• The period counts in calendar days (weekends and holidays included), but if the last day is a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, it is extended to the next working day.
• To withdraw, send a letter to the other party by any means that proves the receipt date — in practice, a registered AR letter.
• The date that counts is the date of dispatch of your withdrawal, provided it is sent within the 15 days.

4. Request letter template

Subject: Request for a rupture conventionnelle

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am employed by [company] as [position] under a permanent contract since [date].

I would like to formally request the opening of a rupture conventionnelle procedure of my contract, in accordance with articles L1237-11 and following of the Code du travail.

I am available for a preliminary interview at your convenience, and I would be grateful if you could let me know a date.

Yours faithfully,

[Date — Signature]

5. Withdrawal letter template

Subject: Withdrawal from the rupture conventionnelle signed on [date]

Dear Sir or Madam,

Pursuant to article L1237-13 of the Code du travail, I hereby notify you of my decision to exercise my right of withdrawal from the rupture conventionnelle agreement signed on [date].

This withdrawal takes effect on the date this letter is dispatched, within the 15-day legal period. The contract therefore continues under its usual terms.

Yours faithfully,

[Date — Signature]

6. Why registered AR matters

• Withdrawal: the law explicitly requires a means that proves the receipt date. A registered AR letter is the safest proof that you withdrew within the 15 days. A simple email can be contested.
• Request: not mandatory, but a dated registered letter prevents your employer from claiming the discussion never started, and fixes a timeline.
• In case of a later dispute before the conseil de prud'hommes, these receipts are your evidence.

You live abroad or far from a post office? MaisonMail can print and dispatch your request or withdrawal letter using an available registered service. The origin market, timing, tracking and return-receipt options are confirmed before payment.

7. Common mistakes

• Treating it as a resignation: a resignation gives no unemployment rights and no severance. Never write "I resign".
• Skipping the interview: at least one preliminary interview is mandatory; its absence can void the agreement.
• Not keeping a signed copy of the Cerfa: the employee must receive an original.
• Missing the 15-day window to withdraw, or sending the withdrawal by plain email with no provable date.
• Expecting to leave immediately: the contract cannot end before the day after the DREETS approval.

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Bottom line: a rupture conventionnelle is negotiated, signed on the Cerfa n° 14598*01, then approved by the DREETS — and you keep both your severance and your unemployment rights. The two letters that protect you are the request and the withdrawal, and for the withdrawal a registered AR is what proves you acted within the 15 days.