Ƶ

Freelance Contract for Germany

Freelance Contract Template for Germany

A comprehensive contract template governed by German law that establishes and regulates the relationship between a company and an independent freelancer. This document ensures compliance with German civil code (BGB), commercial law, and social security regulations while clearly defining the scope of services, payment terms, and maintaining the freelancer's independent status. It includes essential provisions for intellectual property rights, data protection under GDPR, confidentiality, and liability, while carefully avoiding any clauses that could imply an employment relationship under German law.

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Download a Standard Template

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5
Access for free
OR

Alternatively: Run an advanced review of an existing
Freelance Contract

Let Ƶ's market-leading legal AI identify missing terms, unusual language, compliance issues and more - in just seconds.

What is a Freelance Contract?

This Freelance Contract template is designed for use under German law when engaging independent contractors or freelancers (Freiberufler) for various professional services. It carefully addresses the critical distinction between employment and self-employment as required by German legislation, particularly the Social Security Code (SGB IV) and Civil Code (BGB). The document includes essential provisions for service scope, compensation, intellectual property rights, and data protection, while incorporating necessary safeguards to maintain the freelancer's autonomous status. It's particularly relevant in today's growing gig economy and for companies seeking flexible workforce solutions while ensuring compliance with German regulatory requirements.

What sections should be included in a Freelance Contract?

1. Parties: Identification of the contracting parties - the client and the freelancer, including full legal names, addresses, and any registration numbers

2. Background: Context of the agreement and confirmation of freelancer's independent contractor status

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Scope of Services: Detailed description of the services to be provided by the freelancer

5. Term and Termination: Duration of the agreement and conditions for termination

6. Compensation and Payment Terms: Fee structure, payment schedule, and invoicing requirements including VAT provisions

7. Independent Contractor Status: Clear statement of freelancer's self-employed status and autonomy in service delivery

8. Intellectual Property Rights: Ownership and transfer of work products and pre-existing IP

9. Confidentiality: Protection of business secrets and confidential information

10. Data Protection: GDPR compliance and data processing obligations

11. Liability and Insurance: Scope of liability and required insurance coverage

12. General Provisions: Standard clauses including governing law, jurisdiction, and entire agreement

What sections are optional to include in a Freelance Contract?

1. Non-Compete: Restrictions on working with competitors - only include if specifically required and ensure compliance with German competition law

2. Equipment and Resources: Include when specific equipment or resources are provided by either party

3. Substitute Performance: Include when the freelancer may be allowed to use subcontractors or substitutes

4. Travel and Expenses: Include when regular travel is required or expenses reimbursement is part of the arrangement

5. Training and Support: Include when specific training or support will be provided by the client

6. Quality Standards: Include when specific quality standards or certifications must be maintained

7. Client Policies: Include when freelancer must comply with specific client policies or procedures

8. Force Majeure: Include when needed to address unforeseen circumstances preventing performance

What schedules should be included in a Freelance Contract?

1. Schedule 1 - Service Description: Detailed specification of services, deliverables, and performance metrics

2. Schedule 2 - Fee Schedule: Detailed breakdown of fees, rates, and payment terms

3. Schedule 3 - Data Processing Agreement: Required when personal data processing is involved, detailing GDPR compliance measures

4. Schedule 4 - Project Timeline: Specific milestones and delivery dates if project-based

5. Appendix A - Client Policies: Relevant client policies that apply to the freelancer's work

6. Appendix B - Required Qualifications: List of required certifications, qualifications, or regulatory compliance requirements

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Ƶ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

Germany

Publisher

Ƶ

Document Type

Agreement Contract

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions

































Clauses




































Relevant Industries

Information Technology

Consulting

Creative Industries

Marketing and Advertising

Engineering

Professional Services

Media and Entertainment

Education and Training

Healthcare

Construction

Financial Services

Research and Development

Manufacturing

Telecommunications

Relevant Teams

Legal

Human Resources

Procurement

Finance

Project Management Office

Operations

Compliance

Risk Management

Relevant Roles

Project Manager

Software Developer

Graphic Designer

Management Consultant

Content Writer

Marketing Specialist

IT Consultant

Business Analyst

Training Consultant

UX Designer

Technical Writer

Engineering Consultant

Financial Advisor

Research Analyst

Data Scientist

Digital Marketing Specialist

Legal Consultant

Healthcare Consultant

Industries








Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

Find the exact document you need

Enforceable Agreement

A legally binding agreement governed by German law, compliant with BGB requirements and commercial legislation.

find out more

Bilateral Contract

A German law-governed bilateral contract establishing mutual obligations between two parties, compliant with BGB requirements.

find out more

Basic Ordering Agreement

A German law-governed framework agreement establishing terms and conditions for future purchase orders between buyer and supplier.

find out more

Franchise Agreement Draft

A German law-governed agreement establishing the rights and obligations between franchisor and franchisee for operating a franchised business in Germany.

find out more

Consignment Agreement Form

A German law-governed agreement establishing terms for consignment sales arrangements, detailing rights and obligations between consignor and consignee.

find out more

Partnership Agreement Form

A German law-governed agreement establishing and regulating a business partnership, outlining essential terms and conditions while ensuring compliance with German legal requirements.

find out more

Registered Rent Agreement

A legally binding rental contract under German law that establishes the terms and conditions between landlord and tenant, compliant with BGB requirements and registration obligations.

find out more

Written Agreement

A formal Written Agreement compliant with German law requirements, establishing legally binding obligations between parties under German jurisdiction.

find out more

Simple Agreement

A basic contract template governed by German law, suitable for straightforward business arrangements and basic transactions.

find out more

Side Agreement

A German law-governed supplementary contract that modifies or clarifies terms of an existing main agreement while maintaining its core structure.

find out more

Mutual Agreement Between Two Parties

A German law-governed mutual agreement establishing bilateral obligations and rights between two contracting parties, structured according to BGB requirements.

find out more

Incorporation Agreement

A German legal document establishing a new company and defining its structure, governance, and shareholder relationships under German corporate law.

find out more

Formal Agreement

A formal agreement template compliant with German law, structured according to BGB requirements and commercial practices.

find out more

Tooling Agreement

A German law contract governing the manufacture, use, and maintenance of industrial tools and equipment between manufacturers and tool owners.

find out more

Residential Tenancy Agreement Standard Form Of Lease

Standard German residential lease agreement (Mietvertrag) compliant with German tenancy law, establishing terms between landlord and tenant.

find out more

Representation Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing the terms and conditions for commercial representation, compliant with HGB and BGB requirements.

find out more

Land Agreement Between Two Parties

A German law-governed agreement for land transactions between two parties, complying with BGB requirements and land registry regulations.

find out more

Contract Agreement Between Two Parties

A German law-governed contract agreement establishing legal terms and conditions between two parties, compliant with BGB requirements.

find out more

Common Terms Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing common terms for syndicated lending arrangements, serving as the primary document for multi-lender financing structures.

find out more

Buyer Agency Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing the relationship between a property buyer and real estate agent, defining services, obligations, and commission terms.

find out more

Agreement To Perform Work

A German law-governed contract establishing terms for specific work performance or project delivery between a contractor and client.

find out more

Commercial Lease Form

A German law-governed lease agreement for commercial properties, establishing terms for rental, usage, and obligations under German commercial property regulations.

find out more

Contra Agreement

A German law-governed agreement facilitating the direct exchange of goods/services between parties without monetary payment.

find out more

Lease Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing rental terms between landlord and tenant, complying with BGB requirements and German tenant protection regulations.

find out more

Contractual Agreement

A legally binding agreement under German law (BGB) establishing contractual obligations between parties, structured according to German legal requirements.

find out more

Security Agreement Form

A German law agreement establishing security interests over assets to secure financial obligations, governed by the BGB and HGB.

find out more

Labour Contract Agreement For Construction Of House

German law-compliant labor contract for house construction workers, incorporating construction industry regulations and safety requirements.

find out more

Partnership Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing a business partnership and defining partners' rights, obligations, and operational framework.

find out more

Business Cooperation Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for business cooperation between multiple parties, defining mutual obligations and collaboration framework.

find out more

Lodger Agreement

A German law-governed agreement between a main tenant and a lodger for renting a room in a shared living arrangement, including terms for rent, shared spaces, and house rules.

find out more

Consulting Agreement

German law consulting agreement establishing terms for professional consulting services, compliant with German civil and commercial law requirements.

find out more

Head Of Terms Agreement

A preliminary agreement under German law outlining key terms and conditions for a proposed business transaction, distinguishing between binding and non-binding provisions.

find out more

Supply Contract Form

A German law-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for regular supply of goods between supplier and buyer, incorporating key requirements of German commercial law.

find out more

Business Contract

A German law-governed business contract establishing commercial relationships between business entities, compliant with BGB and HGB requirements.

find out more

Umbrella Agreement

German law master agreement establishing framework terms for future commercial relationships, incorporating specific German legal requirements.

find out more

Share Purchase Agreement

A German law-governed agreement for the sale and purchase of company shares, setting out terms, conditions, and warranties for the transfer of ownership.

find out more

Rent To Own Agreement Form

A German legal document combining rental and purchase agreements, allowing tenants to rent property with future purchase rights while complying with German property law requirements.

find out more

Yearly Contract Agreement

A German law-governed agreement establishing a one-year contractual relationship with defined terms, conditions, and obligations between parties.

find out more

White Label Agreement

A German law-governed agreement enabling one company to rebrand and sell another company's products or services under their own brand name.

find out more

Website Development Agreement

German-law governed agreement for website development services, outlining project terms, deliverables, and legal obligations between developer and client.

find out more
See more related templates

ұԾ’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it