- \n
- What is a freelance contract?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Importance of having a contract for freelance work<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What should a freelance contract include?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Common freelance contract mistakes to avoid<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Freelance contract: How to negotiate with clients<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Free freelance contract template to download<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Contract template for freelance work in Germany<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Many freelancers<\/a> are reluctant to draft their own contracts for freelance work<\/strong>, whether because they believe that they can\u2019t master the legal language or are afraid of forgetting to read the \u201cfine print\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it is generally good advice to contact a lawyer<\/strong> the first time you draw up a contract, one can eventually get the hang of it themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re not sure where to start, we\u2019ve prepared a contract template<\/strong> that you can use as a guide that you will find at the end of this article. Keep reading to see all the information that the document should include and get tips on whether you should sign a contract. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nJoin our freelancer community today!
Create your profile in just 2 minutes and start attracting new clients.<\/p>\n\n\nSign up for free<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat is a freelance contract? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A freelance contract<\/strong> is a legal agreement<\/strong> between a freelancer and a client where both parties mutually agree on how a project is to be completed and what work is to be delivered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This freelance agreement <\/strong>exists to protect both the freelancer and the client. The freelancer is getting a guarantee of the money they will receive for the work delivered and the company is getting a guarantee of the work and deliverables they can expect. As it\u2019s a legal document<\/strong>, it could be used in court in case something went wrong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A contract for freelance work<\/strong> should include as much information about the project as possible to avoid misunderstandings in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What counts as a freelance contract can vary depending on the context of the work but generally it includes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Written agreements with terms and deliverables <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Email threads with clear agreements <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Verbal agreements outlining work scope, payments and deadlines <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Platform-based agreements <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While the above all count as freelance contracts, it’s good practice to have all details summarized in a proper contract document and have it then signed by both parties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Importance of having a contract for freelance work <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe importance of having a freelance contract before starting your work cannot be overstated. As mentioned above, not only does it protect both you and your client<\/strong>, it sets clear expectations right from the outset. Let\u2019s take a look at why it\u2019s so important to have a contract: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Legal protection\u00a0<\/strong>
A freelance contract acts as a legally binding document<\/strong> that clearly outlines the rights and obligations of both parties. This can help protect you in case there’s ever a dispute between you and your client.\u00a0\u00a0
<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Clear scope of work<\/strong>\u00a0
A contract clearly defines what work will be done<\/strong>, how and when. This ensures that all expectations are aligned right from the start and helps avoid \u2018scope creep\u2019.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Protection from false self-employment\u00a0<\/strong>
Misclassification of false self-employment<\/a> can have severe implications for both workers and employers, leading to loss of social security benefits for workers and legal and financial risks for employers. Using clear, detailed contracts helps outline the nature of the work and the independent contractor relationship<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Clear payment terms<\/strong>\u00a0
A freelance contract clearly states how much you’ll be paid and when<\/strong>. It should also include late payment penalties or project termination fees to help ensure you’re always protected.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Deadlines, milestones and deliverables\u00a0<\/strong>
Contracts set expectations for project timelines<\/strong> on both sides and can help manage expectations from clients. This helps prevent any misunderstandings and leads to better outcomes for you and the client.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Liability protection\u00a0\u00a0
<\/strong>A freelance contract clearly states who will be held liable<\/strong> in what situations and can limit liability in case of unexpected issues<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What should a freelance contract include? General information and must-have clauses <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A freelance contract should ideally include the following information: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 Contact information <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
First and foremost, a freelance contract should include the names, addresses and contact details<\/strong> of both parties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#2 Project scope <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Next, a comprehensive description<\/strong> of what services need to be provided should be included in the contract. This section outlines objectives and deliverables and should mention any tools or platforms that will be used during the project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#3 Pricing and rates <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A freelance contract should clearly outline the pricing strategy<\/strong> from the get-go. Are you going to charge a certain sum for the whole project or have an hourly rate for the hours you put in? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you do decide to charge by the hour, think about adding a minimum and maximum working hours clause. This clause states that the project will take no longer than X hours and no less than Y, serving as a safety net for both you and the client. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For project-based payments, you can add an extra clause mentioning your hourly rate for extra work. For example, you can state that \u2018any additional work will be charged at a fixed rate of $85\/hr.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find out more about how to set your rate as a freelancer<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#4 Payment schedule and options <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The payment schedule<\/strong> must be clearly defined and agreed upon in a freelance contract. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Receiving all the money at once might not be the best idea, especially if you are just starting out. Some freelancers prefer getting paid in three instalments, separated into 40\/40\/20<\/strong> or 30\/30\/40. <\/strong>Others agree on two instalments: 25\/75 or 50% upfront and the rest \u2013 50% \u2013 by completion of the project.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asking your client for an upfront payment<\/strong><\/a> or a deposit can be beneficial for your freelance business. This is because not only is it an easy and a quick way to avoid clients that don\u2019t want to pay you, it’s also great for your cash flow \u2013 especially if it\u2019s a long-term project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, not every client will be happy with paying upfront. This is why it’s important to make sure that you make it as clear as possible in the contract so that both parties are happy the payment schedule<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your contract should also specify the exact method of payment<\/strong>. What is your preferred method to get paid as a freelancer? List all the payment options that you offer: Direct debit, PayPal, checks, bank transfers, credit cards, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re working with clients overseas, we recommend you check Wise<\/strong><\/a>. You\u2019ll get instant international bank details to receive money from over 30 countries around the world with zero fees \u2013 perfect for freelancers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s an example of a payment schedule clause<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n
\nPayment terms example to include on freelance contract<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Once the payment method is decided, how much time does the client have to pay you? Are you good with receiving the payment 14 days after sending the invoice? Or would you prefer it to be 7 days? Make sure you clearly mention this in your contract and also cover what happens in case of late payments<\/strong><\/a> and include any fees that might occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip: <\/strong>We recommend you steer clear from Net 30 agreements<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#5 Deadlines and timeline <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The contract must also include a timeline clause<\/strong>. This should specify the project’s start date, end date and any relevant deadlines or milestones. Things like progress updates and reporting should also be mentioned under this section. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a simple example of a deadline clause<\/strong> covering deliverables and due dates: <\/p>\n\n\n
\nDeadline clause to include on a Freelance contract<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Also, you might include information specifying that the days spent waiting for your client\u2019s feedback are not to be considered in the timeline of the project. For example: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe days waiting for you to provide feedback or any resources requested (images, contact details, logos, etc.) are not considered \u201cbusiness days\u201d and are not included in the project timeline.\u201d<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n#6 Ownership \/ Copyright <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Copyright and ownership rights determine who owns the work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are some particularities to most freelancing professions with regards to this copyright clause<\/strong>, though. For example, designers might want to retain their rights on sketches, which weren\u2019t used for the project. Freelance writers could include a clause that allows them to reuse their content after a certain time has passed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the majority, including a clause that retains all copyright of your work until the project is completed and paid for is good practice. After the work is completed, your client will get the rights, and you will be obliged not to use or sell your work to anyone else. Once again, this clause should be composed in a way that is beneficial to both parties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#7 Legal terms <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A liability and legal dispute resolution section is also important in a freelance contract. It should detail the limits of each party’s liability<\/strong> and mention how any disputes will be resolved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It should also clearly state which country’s laws will govern the contract. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#8 Kill fee and cancellation terms <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A kill fee<\/strong> is exactly what it sounds like \u2013 if the project is terminated for whatever reason (client goes bankrupt, cancels the project, etc.) the client is obliged to compensate you financially for the time already put into the project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your contract should specify that the already paid deposit is non-refundable and will serve as the kill fee in case of termination plus any additional expenses for the work already done will need to be paid by the client. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a kill fee clause example<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEither party (\u201cThe Freelancer\u201d or \u201cThe Client\u201d) has the right to terminate this contract at any point. Upon termination of any work given by The Freelancer:<\/em>
\u2013 The Freelancer will immediately provide The Client with any and all work in progress or completed prior to the termination date.<\/em>
\u2013 The Client will pay The Freelancer an equitable amount as determined by The Client for the partially completed work in progress and the agreed to price for the completed Services and\/or Deliverables provided and accepted prior to the date of termination.<\/em>
The initial 30% down payment is non-refundable.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n#9 Signatures <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Finally, the contract should end with both yours and your client’s signatures. This indicates that both parties have read and agreed<\/strong> upon all the clauses set forth in the contract. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you can think of anything else that is specific to your field and that could potentially affect the work and your relationship with your client, make sure to include it in your contract. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common freelance contract mistakes to avoid <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Let’s take a look at some of the most common freelancer contract mistakes and how you can avoid them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 Working without a signed agreement <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Working on a project without signing a contract leaves room for serious misunderstandings like disputes over payment, scope of work, intellectual property rights, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is vital that you and your client both understand each other from the get-go and agree on everything<\/strong>, from project milestones and payment methods to the number of revisions and cancellation clauses. It is therefore wise to have a freelance contract to keep you both protected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#2 Accepting vague scopes <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Not being clear enough on what the scope of work is is another mistake that freelancers make when drafting their contract. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure you clearly define deliverables, deadlines, milestones, and any other project specifics<\/strong> in your contract. Break down tasks in detail and specify what\u2019s not inluded to avoid scope creep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#3 Failing to define ownership of work <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ownership of work <\/strong>is another area that is often neglected when drafting a contract. Make sure your contract includes a clause that allows you to retain all copyright of your work until the project is completed<\/strong> and paid for in full. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#4 Skipping the termination clause <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Without a clearly defined termination clause<\/strong>, you\u2019re at risk of sudden project cancellations without compensation or being stuck in a contract that isn\u2019t favorable to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be sure to include a termination clause<\/strong> that specifies things like notice period, termination for cause vs convenience and payment for any work already completed. Also be sure to include a kill fee, if applicable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#5 Not discussing revisions or rush fees <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Revisions and rush projects also need to be clarified upfront. Not doing so can leave you working more without getting compensated for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Limit the number of free revisions you offer and make sure your client knows that there will be an additional charge for additional changes<\/strong> and tasks with a quick turnaround time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
IMAGE <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freelance contract: How to negotiate with clients <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Contract negotiation can be an intimidating process as a freelancer. You may be worried that you will lose the client if you do not agree to their terms, when in fact, negotiating is a natural course<\/strong> of any contract agreement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few key things to remember when negotiating your own contract: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1) Have a solid idea of what you want <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you are not sure of what terms you want out of a contract, you could end up selling yourself short. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clearly define how much you are worth<\/strong>, what kind of deadlines you prefer working by, and be sure to think about smaller factors such as the number of revisions you are willing to include in your agreed rates before requesting a higher fee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Knowing what you want \u2013 and what you are worth \u2013 puts you in a far better position to negotiate fairly but firmly with your client. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2) Research industry rates and contract norms <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Researching industry rates<\/strong> is essential for negotiating with confidence and avoiding underpayment. Check what others with your experience level in your industry charge clients. Look for hourly or project-based pricing and rates based on project type. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should also understand contract norms before you negotiate \u2013 after all, knowing what’s negotiable will help you create a contract you’re happy with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key elements you need to check include payment terms, late fees, revision policies, kill fees, and ownership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look for freelance platforms and communities online to help you with your research. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3) Communicate clearly <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Client communication<\/a> is key. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A lot of contract negotiations are agreed via email, often over the course of several emails. While this is convenient for freelancers working from home or with no fixed location, it can also be incredibly easy for text-based communication to be taken the wrong way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To avoid miscommunication, don\u2019t be afraid to pick up the phone and talk to your client rather than allow email exchanges to continue to be read in the wrong way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4) Don’t think about winning or losing <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t make the mistake of viewing contract negotiations as a \u2018win\u2019 or \u2018lose\u2019 affair. Putting a contract in place is purely there to protect both you and your client, and so finding a middle ground that suits both parties is the best approach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The goal is to have a mutually beneficial contract in place that will allow you to start a trusting, reliable relationship with your client \u2013 and vice versa. This is the first step to building a long-term, trustworthy client<\/a> for your freelance business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5) Learn to push back respectfully <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most experienced clients expect some form of negotiation. Learning <\/strong>how to say no<\/strong><\/a> to specific terms shows that you’re professional and are serious about your work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoid sounding defensive and confrontational when negotiating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, instead of saying “No, that doesn’t work for me.”<\/em>, you could say something like \u201cI want to make sure this arrangement works for both of us. Here’s what I suggest instead…\u201d<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also prepare scripts in advance for tough conversations. For example, if a client wants too many revisions included in the contract, you could push back with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI typically include two revision rounds for free but am happy to provide additional changes at my hourly rate of $X<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
6) Know when to walk away <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Last but not least, it’s important to know when to walk away<\/strong>. If a client won’t respect your terms or rates, it’s okay to say no. Saying no to the wrong client gives you time for the right ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Free freelance contract template to download <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While this is a great (and free!) freelance contract template <\/strong>that you can use, we need to emphasize that we are in no position to offer legal advice, and this simple contract template<\/strong> should not be taken as such. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Download Word template<\/strong><\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Download PDF template<\/strong><\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, we always recommend that you enlist the help of a legal expert<\/strong> to go through any contract you use with a client. This ensures you\u2019ve covered all your bases! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To make the whole process of signing your freelance contract smoother, you could consider using a service like Bonsai<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of sending the client a Word document that they have to download, print, sign and send back, you could send them the contract digitally via Bonsai. The client will be able to sign with just one click<\/strong> so that you can start working ASAP. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bonsai was created by freelancers, for freelancers. They also offer various freelance contract templates<\/strong> for different professions that you can directly use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can start with their free 7-day trial<\/strong><\/a> to see how you like it and upgrade then to one of their plans starting from $15 ($9 per month if billed annually). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contract template for freelance work in Germany <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Freelancers residing in Germany must comply with local laws and regulations when drafting a contract for freelance work. There are 3 main contracts<\/strong> you need to be familiar with if you\u2019re a freelancer working in Germany. These are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dienstvertrag<\/strong> <\/td> This is a service contract where the focus is on the execution of the service and not the success of the result. This means that the freelancer is paid for the service provided, regardless of the ultimate success or failure of the project. <\/td><\/tr> Werkvertrag<\/strong> <\/td> This is a work contract where the freelancer is obligated to deliver a specific result or outcome. The focus here is on the successful result, not the work itself. <\/td><\/tr> Honorarvertrag<\/strong> <\/td> This is a fee agreement between the client and the freelancer and specifies the fee payments and the services provided for a specific period or project scope. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Get more information about freelance contracts in Germany and find templates you can download here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAQs <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Should I always sign a freelance contract? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We cannot emphasize just how important it is for every freelancer to have a contract signed. A contract protects both you and your client and is essential for legal protection and establishing clear expectations between you and your clients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Liability protection\u00a0\u00a0
- Deadlines, milestones and deliverables\u00a0<\/strong>
- Clear payment terms<\/strong>\u00a0
- Clear scope of work<\/strong>\u00a0
- Legal protection\u00a0<\/strong>
- Importance of having a contract for freelance work<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/importance-freelance-contract-1024x797.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/freelancermap.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/channel_incl1\/5-must-have-clauses-for-any-freelancer-contract-882.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Looking](\"https:\/\/www.freelancermap.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cta-blog-freelancermap-sign-up.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"