Leaving EPFL

Procedure

• Resignation letter: A written notification must be sent to the People Experience department (PEXP) to officially confirm your departure.
• Remaining vacation days: It is recommended to plan your remaining leave days before the end of your contract, in agreement with your unit.
• IT access:
  • Access rights are deactivated on the contract end date. Therefore, it is important to back up personal and professional data in time.
  • If necessary, access to email may exceptionally be maintained beyond that date, if justified (see LEX 6.1.4, PDF).
• HR documents: Payslips and certificates must be downloaded from the SESAME platform while access is still active.

Termination Notice Periods

• Fixed-term contract (CDD):
  The contract ends automatically on the agreed date, unless both parties agree to an early termination.
• Open-ended contract (CDI):
  • During the probationary period, the contract may be terminated with seven days’ notice during the first two months of probation, and thereafter, from the third month of probation, with one month’s notice effective at the end of the following month.
  • After the probationary period, the contract may be terminated at the end of a calendar month with one month’s notice during the first year of service, and three months’ notice from the second year of service onwards.

Work Certificate

• A certificate can be requested at any time: during employment (interim) or at the end of the contract (final).
• This document confirms the nature of the position held and the quality of the work performed.
• It is drafted by the unit and then validated by the People Experience department (PEXP).
• The PEXP Partner of the unit is available to advise on drafting the work certificate and can provide a template.

Insurance and Pension

• Accidents: SUVA coverage remains valid for 31 days after departure. Temporary extension is possible through a conventional insurance policy.
• Occupational pension (2nd pillar): An exit form must be sent to PUBLICA, including the contact details of your new pension fund or vested benefits institution.
• Social insurance (AVS/AI): Useful information is available on the website of the Central Compensation Office.

Exit Interview

• The People Experience Partner of your unit may offer you an exit interview to reflect on your experience at EPFL.

Leaving Switzerland

• If you are permanently leaving the country, you must notify your local municipality. This process can usually be done online or directly at the municipal office.

See also:

• Information Letter to Employees Upon Leaving EPFL (PDF)
• Absence Management Guide for Vacation Balance