Freelance Contract Sample: What a Project Contract Should Include

Starting a freelance job without a contract leaves the door open to most disputes that come later. A contract does not have to be long or complicated; putting in writing that both sides understand "what, by when, for how much" the same way is a good start. This article lists the clauses a project contract is expected to have, with an example sentence framework for each. It is not legal advice; for important jobs, consult a lawyer.

1. Parties and description of the work

Write the names, contact details and (if any) tax details of both parties. The description of the work is the most important part: instead of a vague "a website will be built", state which pages and features will be built and what is out of scope. Example framework: "The freelancer will design and develop the 5-page corporate website described in Annex 1. Work not listed in Annex 1 is out of scope and priced separately." Writing your listing and proposal clearly makes this section easier; see how to write a project listing and the proposal writing guide.

2. Deliverables and schedule

Set a date or duration for each deliverable and write down when a delivery counts as "complete". Example framework: "Delivery is made by notice to the client; the client communicates acceptance or a reasoned revision request within 5 business days." The dates for what the client must provide (text, images, access details) belong here too, so it is clear who is responsible for a delay. Agreeing on acceptance criteria in advance helps a great deal at delivery.

3. Fee and payment schedule

State the total fee, the currency, the tax treatment (included or excluded), the payment stages and the due date. Example framework: "The total fee is X; part is paid at the start and the rest at stage deliveries." Splitting the budget into stages reduces risk for both sides; see our staged payment article and the budget guide. For the type of document (receipt or invoice), read our tax and invoicing article and ask your accountant.

4. Revisions and scope changes

Write how many rounds of revisions are included in the price and how out-of-scope requests are handled. Example framework: "Two rounds of revisions are included; additional requests are priced separately with written approval." Confirming scope changes through a written channel such as email or platform messages prevents the "I wanted that too" argument.

5. Intellectual property, confidentiality and personal data

• Intellectual property: State when and to what extent the rights in the delivered work pass to the client (for example, once payment is complete). Whether the freelancer may show the work in their portfolio can be stated separately.
• Confidentiality: Add a short clause so that neither party shares the other's business information with third parties.
• Personal data: If the work involves personal data, the parties should clarify how it will be processed; if AI tools will be used, agree beforehand on which data is shared.

6. Termination and disputes

Write how work done so far is paid for if the job stops midway, with what written notice either party can end the contract, and how disputes are handled. The provisions that apply here depend on the country's law and the nature of the work; getting a lawyer's opinion for this section is the safest route.

Contracts on Serbest İş

Serbest İş is a meeting platform: it offers listings, proposals and messaging; it takes no commission and payments are made directly between the parties. The platform does not draft contracts on your behalf; writing scope, duration and payment stages in the proposal is the first step. The platform is new, so listings are still few; you can browse open projects or look at freelancers.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a contract for a small job?

Whatever the size, having scope, duration and fee in writing is useful. For small jobs this can be as short as an approved proposal and the messages.

Does an agreement by email replace a contract?

Written correspondence can carry value as evidence of an agreement, but its legal effect depends on the circumstances. For important jobs, consult a lawyer.

Can I use the wording in this article as is?

They are framework examples only. Adapt them to your job and your country's law, and have a lawyer check them if needed.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice.