According to a statement by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Foster, 38, played seven Tests, 11 one-day internationals and five Twenty20 Internationals for England between 2001 and 2009, and last turned out in national colours during the ICC World Twenty20 2009.
He could not create a big impact at the Test level, with 226 runs at 25.11, but has a healthy first-class record of 13,761 runs at 36.69 from 289 matches.
He accounted for 839 catches and 62 stumpings in the first-class game in addition to 246 catches and 65 stumpings in List A and 79 catches and 47 stumpings in T20s.
Foster now wants to pursue a career in coaching.
"I have really enjoyed my 19 years as a professional cricketer and it is with great sadness that I will no longer be an Essex player," Foster wrote in an open letter on the county's website.
"It has been a real privilege to play for my home county and I am extremely proud to have represented England," he added.
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