Freelance Template
Free Subcontractor Agreement Template
A subcontractor agreement lets you delegate work while maintaining accountability to your client.
Template
Copy this markdown, replace the {{variables}}, and send via API.
# Subcontractor Agreement
**Contractor:** {{contractorName}}
**Subcontractor:** {{subcontractorName}}
**Date:** {{date}}
## Work Description
{{workDescription}}
## Compensation
{{compensationTerms}}
## Deadlines
{{deadlines}}
## Confidentiality
Subcontractor shall not disclose any client information.
## IP Assignment
All work product is assigned to Contractor upon payment.
## Non-Solicitation
Subcontractor shall not contact Contractor's clients directly.Send for e-signature
curl -X POST https://signb.ee/api/send \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"content": "YOUR_RENDERED_MARKDOWN",
"senderName": "Your Name",
"senderEmail": "you@company.com",
"recipientName": "Recipient",
"recipientEmail": "recipient@email.com"
}'What happens next
- Signbee converts the markdown to a professional PDF
- Recipient gets an email with a signing link
- Both parties sign with an animated handwriting signature
- Both receive the signed PDF with a SHA-256 certificate
All signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act, eIDAS, and ECA.
More details
Subcontractor agreements are the backbone of the modern agency and freelance economy. When you win a project but need to bring in specialists — designers, developers, copywriters, translators — a subcontractor agreement protects everyone involved.
Why you need a subcontractor agreement (not just a verbal arrangement): 1. Client confidentiality: Your client's information flows through the subcontractor. Without a written confidentiality obligation, you're liable if the sub leaks it. 2. IP ownership: Without an explicit assignment clause, the subcontractor may retain copyright in their work product. In many jurisdictions, the creator owns copyright by default. 3. Non-solicitation: Prevents the subcontractor from approaching your client directly for future work, cutting you out. 4. Quality standards: Define acceptance criteria, revision limits, and deliverable specifications upfront. 5. Liability: Clarifies who is responsible if the subcontractor's work causes problems for the client.
Subcontractor vs Employee: Misclassifying employees as subcontractors has serious legal and tax consequences. Key differentiators: subcontractors control how and when they work, use their own tools, can work for multiple clients, and are not entitled to employee benefits. If you're dictating work hours, providing equipment, and requiring exclusivity — that's likely an employment relationship regardless of what the contract says.
Payment structure options: - Fixed fee: Best for well-defined deliverables with clear scope. - Hourly rate: Best for ongoing or variable-scope work. Include a cap or estimate. - Milestone-based: Best for large projects. Tie payments to specific deliverables. - Retainer: Best for ongoing relationships with guaranteed availability.
Electronically signing subcontractor agreements is now standard practice. Send the agreement before work begins, get it signed in minutes, and maintain a SHA-256 certified record of the agreed terms.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a subcontractor and an independent contractor?
An independent contractor works directly for the client. A subcontractor is hired by the contractor (who has the primary agreement with the client) to perform a portion of the work. The subcontractor typically has no direct relationship with the end client.
Can subcontractor agreements be signed electronically?
Yes. Subcontractor agreements are fully valid with electronic signatures under ESIGN (US), eIDAS (EU), and ECA (UK). Both parties can sign remotely.
Do I need a subcontractor agreement if I already have an NDA?
Yes. An NDA only covers confidentiality. A subcontractor agreement covers scope of work, payment, deadlines, IP assignment, liability, and non-solicitation — all critical for outsourced work.
Related resources
Send this template for signing — free, no credit card.