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c/freelancing u/devlk Team

What should a freelance contract include?

Team FAQ: this question comes up often, so we've answered it below. Add your own experience, or a different view, in the comments.

Many first-time freelancers work without a contract. What should be in one?

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devlk Team·

Always have something in writing, even if it's a simple agreement over email. Key points:

  1. Parties: who you are and who the client is.
  2. Scope of work: exactly what you'll deliver, and what's not included.
  3. Deliverables and timeline: milestones and dates.
  4. Payment: rate or fixed price, currency, payment method, schedule, deposit, and who pays transfer fees.
  5. Revisions: how many rounds are included and how extra work is charged.
  6. Change requests: how new requirements are quoted and approved.
  7. Intellectual property: when ownership of the code transfers to the client (often after full payment), and whether you can reuse generic components.
  8. Confidentiality: what you must keep private.
  9. Portfolio rights: whether you can show the work publicly.
  10. Termination: how either side can end the agreement, and payment for work done so far.
  11. Late payments: what happens if invoices aren't paid on time (for example, work pauses).

Tips:

  • Templates are a good starting point, but adapt them to the project.
  • For large or long-term contracts, a short review by a lawyer is worth it.
  • Make sure your invoices match the contract terms; see how to invoice international clients.

Not legal advice. Contract law varies by country.

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