This guide helps independent professionals in France set clear terms before work begins. A solid freelance contract is a practical business tool that defines scope, deadlines, deliverables, and pay. It reduces misunderstandings and lowers the risk of disputes.
We explain what a strong freelance contract should achieve: clarity, protection, and smoother collaboration from day one. You will learn how precise language sets expectations so scope, timeline, and deliverables stay on track.
Think of the agreement as more than legal paperwork. It is a working document that helps you plan workload, secure payment, and cut stress. We frame clauses in plain business terms and note France-specific items like payment timelines and compliance checks.
Follow our step-by-step layout to draft a tailored document or adapt a template. By the end, you will have a checklist mindset: essentials to include, optional clauses, and what to negotiate before signing.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Clarity first: define scope, deliverables, and timeline.
- Use plain terms to set early expectations and avoid scope drift.
- The agreement is a business tool to secure payment and plan work.
- Include France-specific rules like default payment timelines.
- Have a checklist: must-haves, optional clauses, and negotiables.
- See a practical example and templates at detailed freelance contracts.
Why a written contract matters for freelancers and clients in France
A clear written agreement turns vague requests into measurable deliverables and fair payment. It aligns you and the client on what the job includes and what it does not.
How a contract sets expectations
How a contract sets expectations, scope, deadlines, and payments
Define the scope of work and the criteria for “done.” That stops a small project from growing into extra rounds of revisions or new pages.
Record deadlines and any dependencies—what you need from the client—to avoid being blamed for delays. Tie payment terms to milestones so invoices match delivery points.
What can go wrong without one
What can go wrong without a contract: unpaid invoices, extra work, and disputes
Without a written agreement, unpaid invoices are common. Clients may ask for extra work—extra meetings, added pages, or unlimited revisions—without paying more.
A clear document gives you leverage if a payment is late or a scope dispute arises. For examples and templates see detailed freelance contracts.
What a freelance contract is and what it is not
Knowing what defines independent services helps prevent costly reclassification in France.
Freelancer vs employee: avoiding a subordination link
A freelancer must keep operational freedom: set hours, choose methods, and take holidays freely.
If a client imposes fixed schedules, constant oversight, or places you on internal charts, authorities may view the relationship as employment.
Red flags include daily managerial control, mandatory reports, or exclusive presence in the client’s offices.
Service contract vs subcontract: working through another company
Working directly for an end client is usually a service agreement. Supplying work via another firm creates a subcontract scenario.
As a subcontractor, approval chains change: the intermediary may accept deliverables, shift liability, or layer confidentiality clauses.
| Aspect | Service (direct) | Subcontract |
|---|---|---|
| Who approves work | End client | Prime contractor then client |
| Liability | Direct between parties | Shared or passed through |
| Contract terms | Simple, one agreement | Additional clauses and approvals |
| Practical risk | Lower reclassification risk if independence kept | Higher complexity; check layered clauses |
Keep terms aligned with how you actually work. Clear, balanced wording protects both parties without stripping independence.
Get the relationship basics right before you draft
Before you draft terms, confirm who truly signs and who will manage approvals. This step prevents delays and makes the later document easier to enforce. Clear party data keeps billing and legal checks moving smoothly, especially with procurement teams.
Identifying the parties: names, addresses, and contact details
List each party with precise fields: legal name or trade name, registered address, billing address (if different), email, and a named contact person. Add a phone number for urgent issues. Accurate details reduce payment hold-ups and avoid disputes over responsibility.
Confirming your legal setup in France
Choose the correct legal identifiers for your status: auto-entrepreneur, EURL, SASU, or work via an umbrella company (portage salarial). If the umbrella firm is the paying party, the agreement must name that company as the contracting party. Use the right registration numbers and VAT info where applicable.
- Checklist: legal name, registration number, address, contact, billing details.
- Agree who approves deliverables and who pays invoices.
- Align how acceptance is recorded—email sign-off or a formal approval form.
“Getting these basics right upfront prevents most downstream friction.”
For practical templates and examples, see detailed freelance contracts.
The core sections every freelance contract should include
A practical document breaks the job down into who does what, when, and what gets paid. This makes the agreement easy to follow and enforce in France.
Scope of work
Define what is included and be explicit about what is out of scope. Use bullet-style lists or a short appendix to name tasks, excluded items, and acceptance criteria.
Services and deliverables
List each service and the tangible deliverable the client receives: file types, quantities, and review rounds. Be concrete so expectations on the deliverables and the work required are clear.
Schedule, milestones, and deadlines
Map a timeline with milestones, review windows, and final delivery dates. Allow realistic time for client feedback to avoid compressed deadlines and unpaid rush work.
Compensation model
Compare a daily rate with a fixed project price and choose based on uncertainty.
- Daily rate: better when scope may change or time is uncertain.
- Fixed project rate: suits well-defined projects with limited change risk.
Signatures and start date
State who signs, the order of signatures, and the effective start date. Work should begin only after the agreement is signed or a written start confirmation is received.
| Element | Why it matters | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Parties & contacts | Identifies who is responsible for approvals and payments | Use legal names, addresses, and a named contact |
| Scope | Prevents scope creep and disputes | List included and excluded tasks; add acceptance criteria |
| Deliverables & services | Makes outcomes measurable | Specify formats, quantities, and revision rounds |
| Schedule & deadlines | Sets timing expectations | Include milestones and client review windows |
| Compensation & payment | Secures timely payment and pricing clarity | State rate, invoicing cadence, and payment terms |
How to define scope, deliverables, and change requests without scope creep
Writing measurable outputs protects your time and keeps the project on track. Clear wording turns vague ideas into concrete items that are easy to approve and bill.
Deliverables written as facts — list file types, sizes, formats, version names, and the exact number of revision rounds. Define what counts as a revision (minor text tweaks vs new pages). This makes acceptance objective and shortens feedback loops.
Measurable deliverables and acceptance
- Specify deliverables: file type (e.g., .pdf, .psd), resolution, and versions.
- Set acceptance criteria: review period, approval method, and sign-off email.
- Document assumptions: assets, access, brand guide, and response times.
Simple change-order process
Use a short, repeatable process for additions: written request → estimate → timeline impact → client approval → execution. Present change requests as normal business so the client feels supported.
“Be explicit: separate included services from additional services and link each extra item to a price and timeline.”
| Item | Included | Additional |
|---|---|---|
| Revision rounds | 2 rounds, minor edits | Extra rounds billed at hourly rate |
| Files delivered | Final PDF and source file | Additional formats by request (quote required) |
| Acceptance | Email sign-off within 7 days | Late sign-off extends timeline; may incur fees |
Keep language clear and client-friendly. This way your agreement protects both parties and preserves a calm working relationship.
Payment terms that protect your freelance business
Defining how and when you are paid protects your time and your business. Set clear payment terms to reduce cash‑flow risk and make collections straightforward.
Deposits and milestone billing
Ask for a deposit for new clients, large projects, or long timelines. A common structure is 30% on signature, staged payments at milestones, and the remainder on final delivery.
Invoice timing and legal limits in France
France defaults to 30 days after the work is carried out. You may negotiate, but limits are 45 days end‑of‑month or 60 days from invoice date. State the exact due date and acceptable payment methods in the clause.
Late payments and penalties
Include a late‑payment clause: interest at the legal rate plus a flat recovery fee. This gives you a firm basis to follow up and discourages slow payers.
International payments
For clients abroad, offer multi‑currency options to avoid conversion friction. Wise Business can provide local bank details in major regions, hold 40+ currencies, and convert at the mid‑market rate.
Practical checklist:
- Specify deposit %, milestone triggers, and final invoice trigger.
- Record invoice reference numbers and the billing contact.
- State late fees and accepted payment rails for international clients.
Clauses to add for stronger protection and fewer disputes
Well-drafted protective provisions prevent small issues from becoming costly disputes. Below we outline the essential clauses to include and how to keep them fair to both parties.
Confidentiality—what to protect and for how long
Define “confidential information” clearly: documents, commercial strategy, customer data, and access credentials. Limit the obligation in time—typical ranges are 1–5 years depending on sensitivity.
Intellectual property and property rights
Decide whether rights are transferred or licensed. State what the client may do with delivered work and whether additional fees apply for full ownership.
Important: without an IP clause, the client may not automatically own creative or development deliverables.
Liability and insurance
Limit financial exposure with a cap on liability tied to fees received. Clarify an obligation of means (best efforts) rather than results, and note recommended professional liability (E&O) insurance.
Proportionate non-compete
If included, keep restrictions reasonable in time, geography, and activities so they do not unduly limit an independent contractor’s future work.
Dispute resolution
Include a clause compromissoire or arbitration clause to speed resolution and lower costs. Also state applicable jurisdiction if court action remains necessary.
Negotiate any overly broad clauses. If terms feel abusive, propose edits to reach a balanced agreement that protects both sides.
| Clause | Purpose | Typical limit |
|---|---|---|
| Confidentiality | Protects sensitive information | 1–5 years |
| IP / Property rights | Defines ownership or license | Transfer with compensation or limited license |
| Liability cap | Limits financial exposure | Often equal to total fees |
| Non-compete | Prevents direct competition | Short period, narrow area |
| Dispute resolution | Faster resolution path | Arbitration clause optional |
For working through an umbrella firm, see portage salarial formalities to make sure the contracting party and rights are aligned.
Termination and exit terms that keep projects from turning messy
Good termination language gives both sides a predictable, fair way out. It prevents an emotional end from becoming a payment dispute and makes exit steps straightforward for all parties.
Types of termination
Termination for breach vs termination for convenience
Termination for breach applies when a party misses core obligations: repeated late payment, lack of cooperation, or missed deadlines due to missing inputs. Termination for convenience covers strategic or budget changes and should include notice and a small cancellation fee.
What happens to work in progress and final payment
State which deliverables are handed over on exit, in what format, and what is withheld until final payment. Common approaches: pro‑rate time spent, invoice completed milestones, and add a reasonable cancellation fee for lost work.
- Define handover: access revocation, documentation, and a short wrap‑up meeting.
- Set timelines for final invoices and payment after termination.
- Keep clause language short, objective, and enforceable.
| Scenario | Trigger | Outcome | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repeated late payment | 3 late payments in 90 days | Right to suspend work; invoice for completed time | List cure period (e.g., 14 days) |
| Client non-cooperation | Missing inputs > agreed review time | Pause timeline; possible termination for breach | Document requests and responses |
| Termination for convenience | Either party with notice | Pro‑rated fees, cancellation charge | Specify notice period (e.g., 30 days) |
| Immediate termination | Material breach or insolvency | Handover of deliverables paid to date | Reserve rights for damages |
Compliance checks clients may request in France
Clients often require specific legal documents; preparing these shows professionalism and speeds approval.
What clients typically ask for
Most clients will ask for proof of registration: a K or Kbis for companies, or equivalent evidence of business existence depending on your legal form. Provide a clear PDF that includes registration numbers and business contact details.
URSSAF attestation de vigilance
For service arrangements over €5,000 before tax, clients must obtain an URSSAF attestation de vigilance at signature and then every six months. This document confirms you are up to date on social contribution payments and is a common due diligence step.
Work permits for foreign nationals
If you are a foreign national, a client may request proof of a valid work permit before starting work. This protects the client from employment compliance risks and clarifies your right to provide services in France.
How to share documents securely
- Bundle proofs into a single PDF pack with expiry dates and one contact page.
- Use controlled access (secure link or client portal) and mark sensitive fields.
- State the document type and issue date so clients can verify quickly.
Keep a ready folder of registration, URSSAF attestations, and permit evidence to avoid onboarding delays.
Finally, some industries have extra regulatory checks. If a client asks for sector-specific information, respond promptly and, when helpful, link to fuller guidance such as our note on building a stable independent career in France: preparing your paperwork.
How to draft, review, and send your contract (step-by-step)
Start by turning the shared brief into precise terms that state scope, deliverables, deadlines, and price. Use plain language and mirror wording the client already accepts in the brief. This makes review faster and reduces negotiation cycles.
Turn the brief into contract-ready language
Map each brief item to a short clause: what is delivered, when, and what the client must provide. Keep assumptions visible so you both know dependencies.
When the client provides an agreement: what to check first
Systematically review scope boundaries, IP, confidentiality, liability caps, non-compete clauses, and payment mechanics. Negotiate high-impact commercial points first (price, scope, timeline), then tidy wording and process items.
Written vs verbal agreements in France
Verbal agreements can carry weight in France, but an email that summarizes scope, deadlines, and payment greatly strengthens your position in a dispute. Send a clear recap and ask for explicit acceptance.
Sending and signing
Use an easy-to-edit template format such as Microsoft Word so both parties can suggest edits. Include signature blocks, initials for critical pages, and a clear start date. Send the signed freelance contract before beginning work.
Pre-send checklist:
- Does the document match the brief, quote, and invoice approach?
- Are key clauses and payment dates present and clear?
- Is the file editable and ready for signatures?
Choosing a freelance contract template vs hiring an expert
Picking the right approach depends on risk, budget, and the complexity of the project.
Use a template safely when you need speed and the scope is straightforward. Start with a reputable freelance contract template and adapt these items to match your work: scope boundaries, deliverables, payment terms, acceptance criteria, IP rights, liability limits, and termination mechanics.
Always replace generic phrases with concrete details. Define deliverable formats, review rounds, and exact payment triggers so the agreement reflects how you actually work. One-size-fits-all templates can miss sector rules, high-value exposures, or special data protections.
When to consult a lawyer
Consult legal counsel for high liability projects, complex intellectual property, enterprise procurement needs, or cross-border delivery. A specialist will tailor clauses, advise on caps of liability, and ensure IP or property rights are enforceable in France.
Working through an umbrella company
If you use an umbrella company (portage salarial), the client signs with that employer. This changes signatures, invoicing, and some employment-style protections. Review the umbrella firm’s terms and confirm who holds IP and invoicing rights before you start.
We recommend a pragmatic path: a vetted template for low-risk work; an expert review when stakes or complexity rise.
| Need | Best option | Key action |
|---|---|---|
| Small, well-defined project | Template | Customize scope, payment, and acceptance |
| High value or IP-sensitive | Lawyer review | Draft tailored IP and liability clauses |
| Working via umbrella firm | Check umbrella terms | Confirm who signs, invoices, and owns rights |
For a ready template you can adapt, see legal hub templates. For specifics on umbrella arrangements, consult guidance on choosing a portage salarial company: umbrella company selection.
Conclusion
Wrap up with clear steps that protect your time, your client relationship, and the business outcome.
Keep the final document focused on scope, deliverables, payment, and acceptance. Define services precisely and include a simple change‑request path so expectations stay aligned.
In France, protect independence, respect payment timing rules, and have your registration and URSSAF evidence ready when clients ask. Written confirmation — even by email — strengthens proof of agreed terms.
Practical checklist: update your template, confirm the client contact and billing workflow, and send the signed agreement before you start work. A clear agreement reduces ambiguity and lowers the chance of dispute.
You do not need to be a lawyer to get this right. Be precise, consistent, and prepared — and you will safeguard both the job and the relationship.
