Can I resign with a paper letter?
No, generally: resignations must be submitted online. For employee relationships, resignations (and consensual terminations) must be communicated via an online procedure, through the Ministry of Labour portal (login with SPID/CIE) or via an authorised body like a patronato, union or consultant. A simple paper letter isn't enough: this rule was introduced to prevent so-called "blank resignations" (signed in advance and used by the employer). You must still respect the notice periods set by the collective agreement. Online resignations are revocable within 7 days of submission. There are exceptions (e.g. domestic work, or resignations in the protected maternity period, validated at the Inspectorate).
📋 The rules
- Resignation via online (the Ministry portal or a patronato)
- A paper letter isn't enough
- Rule against blank resignations
- Respect the notice in the collective agreement
- Revocable within 7 days of submission
🔓 Exceptions
- Domestic work (carers, housekeepers): different procedure
- Resignations in the protected maternity period: validation at the Inspectorate
- Resignations for just cause: give a right to NASpI
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Resignations given only verbally or by a paper letter have no effect: without the online procedure, the relationship is still considered ongoing. If you don't respect the notice, the employer can withhold from your settlement the amount for the days not worked. Leaving the job without formalising the resignation can also expose you to challenges for unjustified absence. In general, voluntary resignations don't give a right to NASpI, unless for just cause (e.g. unpaid wages) or in the protected maternity period. To resign properly, use the portal or turn to a patronato, and notify the employer with due notice.
📎 Official sources
- Ministry of Labour · Voluntary online resignations →
- Normattiva · Lgs. Decree 151/2015 (online resignations) →
- INPS · NASpI and termination of the relationship →
❓ Frequently asked
How do I resign?
Online, via the Ministry of Labour portal (with SPID or CIE) or by turning to an authorised body like a patronato, union or labour consultant. A simple paper letter or verbal communication isn't enough for an employee relationship.
Why must resignations be online?
To prevent so-called "blank resignations", i.e. resignation letters signed in advance by the worker and then used by the employer. The online procedure ensures the resignation is actually voluntary and attributable to the worker, with a certain date.
Can I change my mind after resigning?
Yes. Online resignations are revocable within 7 days of the submission date, again online. After this deadline, the resignation becomes definitive and takes effect per the stated notice.
Do I have to give notice?
Yes, you must respect the notice periods set by the applicable collective agreement. If you don't respect the notice, the employer can withhold from your settlement the amount for the notice days not worked. Check the notice length in your agreement.
If I resign, am I entitled to unemployment?
Generally no: voluntary resignations don't give a right to NASpI. Exceptions are resignations for just cause (e.g. for unpaid wages) and those given in the protected maternity period, which give a right to the unemployment benefit.
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