Freelancer Agreement Template (India) — Free Format
A freelancer agreement sets the terms for a one-off or short project with an independent freelancer — designers, writers, developers or video editors — covering deliverables, deadlines, payment milestones, revisions and who owns the final work.
Stamp, registration and e-sign at a glance
The three things to settle before anyone signs this agreement in India.
Payable under the stamp law of the state where it is signed; rates vary by state. Unstamped, it cannot be used as evidence until duty and penalty are paid.
Check your state's rateRegistration is not required.
This agreement can be signed electronically with Aadhaar eSign or a DSC under the Information Technology Act, 2000. Electronic signatures listed in the Act's Second Schedule carry a presumption of reliability.
What cannot be e-signedWhat is a Freelancer Agreement?
A freelancer agreement is a short form of independent contractor agreement built around deliverables. The single most important clause is the copyright assignment: without a written assignment, the freelancer usually remains the owner of what they create.
When to use it
- Commissioning a logo, website, article series or video
- Hiring a developer for a fixed-scope feature
- Engaging freelancers through a platform but wanting your own terms
Key clauses checklist
Make sure your draft covers each of these. Linked clauses open a sample wording with drafting tips.
- Deliverables, deadlines and revisions
- Milestone payments Sample clause
- Copyright assignment Sample clause
- Confidentiality Sample clause
- Termination and kill fee Sample clause
Indian law notes
Copyright assignment
Section 19 of the Copyright Act, 1957 requires an assignment to be in writing and to identify the work, the rights, the duration and the territory. If duration or territory is not stated, the law presumes five years and India only — so state "worldwide" and "for the full term of copyright".
Moral rights
Authors keep certain moral rights under Section 57 of the Copyright Act. You can ask the freelancer not to assert attribution rights for commercial use, but they cannot be fully waived in all cases.
FREELANCER AGREEMENT This Freelancer Agreement is made on [Date] between [Client Name], [Address] (the "Client") and [Freelancer Name], PAN [PAN], [Address] (the "Freelancer"). 1. PROJECT The Freelancer shall create and deliver [describe deliverables] (the "Deliverables") as described in Schedule 1, by [Deadline]. 2. REVISIONS The fee includes up to [2] rounds of revisions requested within [7] days of each delivery. Further revisions will be charged at Rs. [Rate] per [hour / round]. 3. FEES AND PAYMENT 3.1 Total fee: Rs. [Amount], plus GST if applicable. 3.2 Payment milestones: [30]% on signing, [40]% on first draft, [30]% on final approval. 3.3 The Client shall pay each invoice within [7] days and deduct TDS where required by law. 4. OWNERSHIP OF WORK 4.1 On receipt of full payment, the Freelancer assigns to the Client all copyright and other rights in the Deliverables, worldwide, for the full term of protection, for all media and uses. 4.2 The Freelancer confirms the Deliverables are original and do not infringe anyone's rights, and that any third-party material (fonts, stock images, libraries) is licensed for the Client's use and listed in Schedule 2. 4.3 The Freelancer may show the Deliverables in a portfolio after public launch, unless the Client asks otherwise in writing. 5. CONFIDENTIALITY The Freelancer shall keep the Client's information and unreleased work confidential. 6. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR The Freelancer is not an employee and is responsible for their own equipment, taxes and working hours. 7. CANCELLATION The Client may cancel the project at any time by written notice and shall pay for work completed plus [25]% of the remaining fee as a cancellation fee. Rights pass only in work that has been paid for. 8. GOVERNING LAW Indian law applies and the courts at [City] have jurisdiction. Schedule 1 – Deliverables and specifications: [describe] Schedule 2 – Third-party materials and licences: [list] Client: ____________ Freelancer: ____________
Replace every [placeholder] and delete options that do not apply.
How to execute it
From blank template to a signed, stamped and stored contract.
Describe the deliverables and deadlines precisely.
Agree milestone payments and revision limits.
Make sure the copyright assignment is worldwide and for the full term.
Sign electronically before work starts.
Collect source files and licences with the final delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns a logo designed by a freelancer?
The freelancer, unless there is a written assignment. Under Section 19 of the Copyright Act, 1957 the assignment must be in writing.
Should I pay a freelancer in advance?
Milestone payments with a modest advance protect both sides: the freelancer is committed, and the client pays as work is approved.
Do freelancers charge GST?
Only if registered for GST, which is usually required above the turnover threshold or for certain supplies. Ask for the GSTIN on the invoice.
Related templates
Stop emailing Word files around
Turn this format into an approved template, collect approvals, buy e-stamp paper, send it for Aadhaar eSign and get reminded before it renews.