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Free agreement template · Word

Permanent Employment Agreement

A permanent employment agreement records an open-ended employment relationship that continues until retirement, resignation or termination. It suits confirmed or directly permanent hires and covers long-term matters such as appraisals, retirement age, gratuity and conflict of interest.

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Preview of the agreement

[Highlighted] = fill in
[Company Logo][Company Name]

PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Ref. No.:
[Reference Number]
Date:
[Date]

This Agreement is entered into on [Date] between [Company Name], having its office at [Company Address] ("Company"), and [Employee Name], residing at [Employee Address] ("Employee").

1. Appointment

The Company employs the Employee as [Designation], [Department], on a permanent basis with effect from [Date of Joining]. Service with the Company from [Seniority Date] will count for seniority.

2. Tenure

Employment is for an indefinite period and continues until the Employee reaches the retirement age of [Retirement Age] years, or until ended under Clause 9.

3. Responsibilities

The Employee shall carry out the responsibilities of the role and any reasonable additional duties, in the best interest of the Company.

4. Remuneration and Appraisal

4.1 Annual CTC: ₹[CTC] as per Schedule 1.
4.2 Performance will be reviewed annually. Increments and promotions depend on performance and Company policy.

5. Benefits

PF, ESI (if eligible), gratuity after five years' continuous service, group insurance and leave as per policy.

6. Exclusive Service and Conflict of Interest

The Employee shall not engage in any business or employment that conflicts with the Company's interests and shall disclose any directorship, partnership or relative's interest in a vendor or competitor.

7. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

The Employee shall protect confidential information during and after employment. All work product created in the course of employment belongs to the Company.

8. Transfer

The Employee may be transferred to any location or group company in India with reasonable notice.

9. Termination and Resignation

9.1 Either party may end employment by giving [Notice Period] written notice or salary in lieu.
9.2 The Company may terminate for proven misconduct after due inquiry as per standing orders.
9.3 The Employee shall complete handover and return Company property before release.

10. General

This Agreement, with Company policies as amended, forms the full understanding. It is governed by Indian law; courts at [City] have jurisdiction.

For [Company Name]
[Authorised Signatory]
[Designation]
Employee
[Employee Name]
Signature: ____________
Date: [Date]

What this template includes

  • Indefinite tenure clause so status is clear
  • Annual appraisal and increment process
  • Retirement age and superannuation terms
  • Gratuity after five years of continuous service
  • Conflict of interest and outside-work rules
  • Notice period that reflects seniority

When to use it

  • Hiring an experienced professional directly into a permanent role
  • Converting a confirmed employee onto a signed long-term contract
  • Key positions where retention and long-term obligations matter
  • Replacing outdated agreements for long-serving staff

How to customise this template

  1. 1Use this only where no probation applies or after confirmation
  2. 2Set notice period according to the grade
  3. 3Add insurance, car or other long-term benefits in Schedule 1
  4. 4Check the retirement age against your standing orders

HR tips

  • Do not mention guaranteed increments; refer to the appraisal policy
  • Require disclosure of directorships or side businesses
  • Ensure seniority is counted correctly where the employee was earlier on contract
  • Keep the agreement consistent with the HR manual

This template is a starting point only. Review it against applicable labour laws (including the Labour Codes in force from 21 November 2025 and the state rules being notified), your Shops & Establishments registration, standing orders and company policies, and take advice from a legal adviser where needed.

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Frequently asked questions

Can a permanent employee be terminated in India?+

Yes, by notice under the agreement or for proven misconduct after a fair inquiry, subject to labour law protections, standing orders and retrenchment rules where they apply.

Is probation required before permanent employment?+

No. A company may appoint someone directly as permanent, though many prefer a probation period first.

When does gratuity become payable to a permanent employee?+

Generally after five years of continuous service, at 15 days' wages for each completed year, as per law.