What is this document?
A freelancer contract is a services agreement between a client (company or individual) and an independent contractor who provides specialized work without becoming an employee. It typically covers scope of work, milestones, fees, invoicing, confidentiality, intellectual property assignment, termination, and dispute resolution. Clear contractor status helps with tax and compliance distinctions under Indian law.
When do you need it?
- Hiring a designer, developer, or marketer for a defined project
- Engaging a consultant for short-term business advisory work
- Outsourcing content, video, or creative production
- Working with overseas freelancers serving Indian clients
- Renewing an ongoing retainer with updated scope or rates
Key clauses and elements
- Scope and deliverables — what will be produced and acceptance criteria
- Timeline and milestones — deadlines and review periods
- Fees and payment — rate, invoicing schedule, taxes (GST), and late fees
- Independent contractor status — not an employee; no benefits implied
- Intellectual property — who owns code, designs, and other work product
- Confidentiality — protection of client data and business information
- Termination — how either party can end the engagement and final payment
Frequently asked questions
Related documents
Indian startups, agencies, and SMEs increasingly hire designers, developers, writers, and consultants on a project basis. Without a written contract, disputes over payment, revisions, confidentiality, and IP ownership are common. DraftPe generates freelancer agreements formatted for Indian use with the clauses both sides expect.
Learn what a strong freelancer contract includes in the sections below, then scroll to the wizard to create yours in a few minutes.