Template in Word and PDFTemplates for dismissal and the end of the contract

Fixed-term contract notice letter: notice in the first half of the contract

You can end a fixed-term contract with notice during the first half of its term, up to 6 months, and with successive contracts only in the first one. This letter gives that notice: by registered post, with the start date and the length. For contracts from 1 August 2026 it is usually 1 week. The template is in Dutch and French.

Figures in this template checked on

When do you use this fixed-term contract notice letter?

You want to end a fixed-term contract early and you are still in the first half of its term: divide the total term by two, up to 6 months. After that you can only end it with a payment: pay up to the end date, capped at 2 times the notice for an open-ended contract. If the contract simply runs out, you send nothing.

How to fill in the fixed-term contract notice letter

  1. 1

    Fill in the start and end dates of the contract, so the first half can be checked.

  2. 2

    Work out notice with the ordinary table for seniority. For contracts from 1 August 2026 it is 1 week in the first six months.

  3. 3

    Fill in the start date: the Monday after the week in which the registered letter takes effect, the 3rd working day after posting.

  4. 4

    Have it signed by someone who can represent the business, and send it by registered post or bailiff.

The text of the template

Below is the Dutch text, as used in Flanders. The fields to fill in are in square brackets. In the Word file they are highlighted.

[Naam werkgever, adres, ondernemingsnummer]

Aangetekend aan [naam werknemer, adres]

[Plaats], [datum van verzending]

Betreft: opzegging van uw arbeidsovereenkomst voor bepaalde duur

Geachte [naam],

Wij beëindigen uw arbeidsovereenkomst voor bepaalde duur van [startdatum] tot [einddatum] met toepassing van artikel 40, §2, van de wet van 3 juli 1978. De opzegtermijn bedraagt [aantal] week/weken. Hij begint op maandag [datum] en eindigt, behoudens schorsing, op [datum].

Met vriendelijke groeten,

[Naam en handtekening van de bevoegde persoon]

Disclaimer

This template gives general information and follows the rules in force on 8 October 2026. It is not legal advice, and no rights can be derived from it. Your joint committee, your work rules and the facts of your case may call for a different text.

Ending a fixed-term contract

Unsure about your situation?

Your dedicated contact at Business Centrum looks at it for your situation, together with Acerta, before you send it.

Have it checkedOr call 09 395 94 00
More explanationThe rules behind this template, with worked examples and the pitfalls, are inTerminating a fixed-term contract Belgium employer: notice or payment?

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