Free Independent Contractor Agreement Template

WHY HR & LEGAL TEAMS LOVE THIS TEMPLATE

Reduces legal guesswork by standardizing independent contractor terms across multiple jurisdictions.

Streamlines contractor hiring by providing a ready-to-use, editable framework that shortens the onboarding process.

Protects both parties with fair terms for contractors, strengthening trust and retention.

What you get

Download this free template to set up independent contractor agreements quickly.

Download Free Resource

Book a Demo

Independent Contractor Agreement Template Overview

Hiring international freelancers or contractors? This ready-to-use Independent Contractor Agreement Template gives you a clear, customizable framework to set expectations, define deliverables, manage payments, and stay compliant no matter where your talent is based.

What You'll Love About This Template:

Saves time by skipping the need to draft agreements from scratch.
Avoid payroll and compliance mistakes with built-in clauses covering payment schedules, currencies, tax responsibilities, and misclassification risks – so you can treat contractors consistently across regions.
Use optional, pre-written clauses for taxes, deductions, and benefits when needed.
Fully editable for any role, country, or contract length.
Aligned with modern standards including AI, ESG, and DEI considerations.

What’s Included in the Independent Contractor Agreement Template

Clear scope of work + deliverables
Flexible payment terms and schedules
Confidentiality + IP protection
Termination, renewal, and notice requirements
Local law + jurisdiction guidance
Optional compliance add-ons (taxes, ESG, AI oversight)
Editable formatting for global use
A Contractor Compliance Checklist
A Misclassification Risk Self-Assessment Quiz

How To Use This Independent Contractor Agreement Template

Follow these steps to adjust the independent contractor agreement to your needs, and get new contractors onboarded in no time:

Download & Review: Start with the base template and flag the sections you’ll customize.
Customize Clauses: Update scope, deliverables, and payment details to match your contractor’s role.
Localize for Compliance: Add region-specific rules for taxes, benefits, or data protection.
Get Legal Review: Share your draft with legal counsel for final checks.
Share & Sign: Send the polished agreement for e-signature from both parties.
Store & Update Annually: Keep a copy on file and refresh it yearly as regulations evolve.

‍

Hire & Pay Contractors Compliantly, Anywhere

Easily hire and pay contractors in 180+ countries using fully vetted, compliant contracts.

Book a Demo

about the author

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

Independent Contractor Agreement FAQs

What is an Independent Contractor Agreement Template?

It’s a pre-formatted document that employers can use to outline working terms with contractors. It saves time and ensures legal consistency.

How does this template compare to using compliance software?

This Independent Contractor Agreement Template is a practical, cost-effective starting point. It helps you create legally sound agreements, set clear expectations, and avoid basic compliance pitfalls. However, it’s still a manual tool. This means you’ll need to edit, localize, and update it yourself as laws and regulations change. In contrast, Playroll’s Contractor Management Software delivers full-scale protection and efficiency. For businesses hiring more than a handful of contractors or working across multiple jurisdictions, software support is essential for growth and compliance peace of mind.

Can this template be customized?

Yes, this template is fully customizable. This means that every section is editable, so you can adapt it for specific roles, industries, and jurisdictions.

Does this template work for both small and large teams?

This template works for teams of all sizes. Startups, SMEs, and enterprises can all use it to manage contractors consistently across borders.

Speak to an Expert

Related Resources

Independent Contractor Agreement Template