Final settlement in case of dismissal or departure

When you leave employment — whether it's due to dismissal, the expiration of an annual contract or because you're leaving yourself — your employer should always draw up a final bill. This settlement is the financial closure of your cooperation and shows exactly what you are still entitled to and what may be settled.

What is a final bill?

The final bill is an overview of all outstanding items at the time your employment contract ends. Think of your last salary, accrued vacation days, vacation pay or outstanding bonuses. Sometimes there is also a transition payment or compensation for outplacement included.

Any debts to the employer — such as too much leave taken or an advance — are also included here. This provides a complete overview of what you still get or need to pay back.

An employer is legally obliged to make a final bill regardless of the reason for departure. You usually receive it together with your last paycheck, or no later than one month after the last business day.

What should be included in the final bill?

The exact content varies by situation, but in almost all cases a final bill includes:

• Your last salary until the last day of work.
• Accrued vacation days that haven't been included yet.
• Vacation pay (at least 8%) over the period worked.
• Any bonuses or commissions that are still open.
• A transition payment or other termination fee, if applicable.
• Any settlements such as advances, training costs or too much leave taken.

If you are fired or declared redundant, the employer can outplacement process offering to help you find a new job. In that case, the outplacement allowance may be part of the final bill. You can read more about this on our page about outplacement and the course of a outplacement process.

When will you receive the final bill?

In most cases, you will receive the final bill when your last salary is paid. Legally, this is allowed no later than one month after the end of employment. If the final bill is provided later, you can inform your employer in writing.

Bee dismissal after two years of illness the employer is obliged to make a final bill and pay the transition payment. Please note that this fee is actually stated in the final bill.

Always check your final bill

It is important to check your final bill carefully. Compare the number of vacation days taken with your own administration and check that the vacation pay is correct. Also check whether any bonuses or expense allowances have been calculated correctly.

Is there something missing, or is the amount wrong? Then ask your employer for an explanation. In many cases, an error is easy to fix.

What if the employer does not pay?

If your employer does not pay the final bill or pays it too late, you can take action against it. Start with a friendly, written request. If payment is not made, you can claim a statutory increase and interest on the outstanding amount.

In complex situations — for example in a settlement agreement or when there is a discussion about the transition payment — it is wise to seek legal or career advice. Our experts are happy to help you understand your rights and possible next steps.

Final settlement after a settlement agreement

When terminated by mutual consent (settlement agreement), the agreements about the final settlement are often included in the document itself. This usually involves paying outstanding leave days, vacation pay and any allowances. Check that the appointments match what you will receive in your account later.

Do you receive guidance to new work through an outplacement scheme? Then the process is often paid directly by the employer, so that it does not have to come from your transition payment.

Why good monitoring pays off

A correct final bill prevents financial surprises. It's often a time when significant amounts are transferred, and mistakes can have major consequences — especially if you're just out of work or in a outplacement process sits.

So check all amounts carefully, ask for an explanation in case of ambiguity and save the bill along with your last payslip and settlement agreement.

Summarized

The final bill is the financial closure of your employment. You are entitled to a correct calculation of salary, vacation pay, outstanding days and any compensation. Outplacement or a transition payment may also be part of this settlement. Check everything carefully and get advice if you are unsure about the accuracy of the amounts or the agreements in your settlement agreement.

Would you like to know more about the best way to proceed after dismissal or the end of your contract? Read more about outplacement and how a outplacement process helps you take a new step in your career.

‍