Swinson joined up with Warriors in 2012 from Newcastle Falcons where he'd been a regular starter in the pack since making his debut in 2005.
The big forward brought a hard-hitting edge to the Scotstoun pack and went on to make 136 appearances for Glasgow.
Born in England, Swinson was eligible to play for Scotland because of his Glaswegian grandmother, and made his debut against South Africa in 2013 and went on to make 38 appearances.
"It's a hard goodbye to the game I've played for the last 14 years," Swinson wrote on Instagram.
"But it's time to move on to the next adventure. The memorable games, victories and friendships won't be lost, but the camaraderie will be missed.
"To the teammates who shared those highs also made the lows, the injuries and disappointments manageable, I thank you.
"To the fans who make the game what it is - whose support, undaunted by obscure away travel and awful weather, never falters - the game would be in a far worse place without you."
Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Dave Rennie paid tribute to the second-rower's professionalism following the announcement.
"Tim has had a wonderful career and it's fitting that it ends on his terms," he told glasgowwarriors.org.
"Possessing a great work ethic, Tim is a very intelligent lineout forward and his knowledge and one-man menace mentality makes him the sharpest defensive operator I'be worked with.
"Competitive and aggressive, he brings a physical edge to training that wasn't always appreciated by the victims but the hallmark of his game. His commitment to the club and his team mates was highlighted in rehabbing from two long term injuries over the past couple seasons. His resilience evident throughout.
"Tim has made a massive contribution to the club both on and off the field and we wish him, Elly and their two kids all the best for the future."
Glasgow Warriors Managing Director Nathan Bombrys added: "Everyone at the club would like to wish Tim and his family all the very best for the next stage in his life.
"He's been a mainstay in our pack ever since joining the club in 2012, bringing a real hard edge to the engine room. His determination and physicality have been a real asset to the club over the past eight years, and his class has been underlined by his performances in some of our biggest ever matches.
"It's great for not only Scottish Rugby but the wider sport that Tim's planning to train as a referee once he has hung up his boots. He's a person that has a great understanding of the game, is a good communicator, and after such a long career in the second row knows what foul play looks like when he sees it!
"It's great that Tim and his family are remaining in Glasgow - we look forward to welcoming him back to Scotstoun when it's safe to do so and giving him the send-off his service to the club over the years deserves."