Freelance / Service Agreement Format & Template
Contracts · ₹399 · ~8 min · Sign in free, fill the guided form with a live preview, pay to download.
What is a Freelance / Service Agreement?
A freelance or service agreement is the contract between a client and an independent freelancer or consultant. It defines the work to be delivered, the fee and payment terms, the timeline, and — critically — who owns what the freelancer creates.
A freelancer is not an employee, so unlike an employee’s work, the copyright in what a freelancer creates generally stays with the freelancer unless it is assigned in writing. The agreement is where that assignment is made.
When to use it
- You are hiring a designer, developer, writer or consultant for a project.
- You are a freelancer who wants clear scope and payment terms before starting.
- An ongoing engagement has grown and needs written terms.
What you'll need
Keep these details ready — the form asks for them in this order.
Client
Client name · Client address
Freelancer
Freelancer / consultant name · Freelancer address
Scope
Scope of services
Payment
Fee · Payment terms
Term
Start date · Expected end date (optional) · Ownership of deliverables/IP · City / jurisdiction
How it works
Enter client and freelancer
Names and addresses of both.
Define scope and timeline
The services and deliverables, with start and expected end dates.
Set fees and IP
Fee, payment terms and who owns the deliverables.
Preview, pay and download
Pay ₹399 and download for signature.
How to make it legally valid
- Signed by both parties.
- A written assignment of intellectual property if the client is to own the work.
- Stamp duty where your state charges it on agreements.
- GST charged if the freelancer is registered, and tax deducted at source by business clients where the law requires it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- No IP clause, leaving ownership of the work with the freelancer.
- Scope described loosely, inviting endless revisions.
- Treating the freelancer like an employee (fixed hours, supervision), which blurs the relationship.
Ready to prepare your Freelance / Service Agreement?
₹399 · live preview before you pay
This is a self-help template for common situations — it is not legal advice and LawMitran is not a law firm. Need help with your freelance / service agreement? Find a corporate law lawyer · Legal documents FAQs.