Freelance contract checklist

Client's legal entity name (not a person's name)

Without this, there is no one to hold legally accountable if the client disappears.

Valid client business address

Needed for official documents and the invoicing process.

Name and email of the responsible PIC

If the PIC leaves, you know who to contact.

Specific, measurable list of deliverables

"A nice website" is not a scope. "5 responsive pages with a CMS" is a scope.

List of what is NOT in scope (out of scope)

Prevents scope creep — the client asking for extras not in the contract.

Clear, measurable definition of "done"

Without this, the project is never truly finished.

Number of allowed revisions

Unlimited revisions = unlimited free work.

Agreed rate / amount (a number, not a range)

A range reopens negotiation after the work is done.

Payment structure (deposit, milestones, or net-X)

50% upfront protects you from clients who vanish.

Specific payment deadline (a date, not "ASAP")

"ASAP" can mean 6 months to a client.

Agreed payment method (transfer/Wise/etc)

Avoids conflicts like "I can't pay with that".

Who covers transfer/conversion fees (FX fees)

Wise or PayPal FX fees can be significant for large amounts.

Late payment penalty

Clients who know there is a penalty pay on time more consistently.

Clear start date and estimated completion

Prevents mismatched expectations about when the project must finish.

Clause for what happens if the client is slow to give input

If the client is slow to review, does the deadline shift? Write it now.

When copyright transfers to the client (after full payment, not on delivery)

Never hand over rights before you are paid in full.

Your right to show the work in your portfolio

Without this clause, the client can forbid you from showing your own work.

Status of third-party assets used (licenses, fonts, stock photos)

You can be sued for using assets without the right license.

NDA if there is sensitive client business information

Protects the client — and makes you look professional.

Notice period clause (minimum 14 days)

Prevents sudden contract termination without compensation.

Payment for completed work if the contract is terminated

You must be paid for work already done.

Force majeure clause

Protects both parties from events beyond control.

Governing law for this contract

Cross-country remote work needs clarity on which law applies.

Dispute resolution mechanism (negotiation, mediation, arbitration)

Avoids expensive, lengthy legal processes.