Virtual Assistant Contracts: What To Include

This article is general information, not legal advice.

Why You Need Something In Writing

Working with a remote assistant without an agreement is like driving without insurance. Most days nothing goes wrong. The day it does, you will wish you had written down what you agreed. A clear document also helps your assistant, because they know exactly what you expect and what they can expect from you.

Core Sections To Include

1. Parties And Relationship

Who is signing, and what is the relationship? Is the person an independent contractor, an employee, or engaged through a third party? This section matters a great deal for taxes and legal obligations. Read independent contractor and employer of record, and see how Globaltize explains options on its contractor payments and EOR page.

2. Scope Of Work

List what the assistant will do, and what they will not. Use categories rather than every task, for example: “email management, scheduling, data entry, and research.” Note that the scope can be updated by mutual agreement.

3. Hours And Availability

State expected weekly hours, working days, time zone, and overlap hours. Describe how schedule changes are requested. See time zones and scheduling.

4. Pay And Payment Terms

Rate, currency, payment schedule, payment method, and who covers transfer fees. State when overtime or extra hours apply. See how much to pay per hour and paying overseas contractors.

5. Confidentiality

How private business and customer information is handled, what happens if it is shared inappropriately, and that confidentiality continues after the relationship ends. See data safety.

6. Ownership Of Work

State who owns documents, designs, and other work products created during the engagement. Businesses typically own work created for them, but the agreement should say so.

7. Tools And Equipment

Who supplies the computer, internet, and software? Who pays for extra subscriptions?

8. Time Off And Holidays

How leave is requested and handled. See holidays and time off for global teams.

9. Performance And Review

How performance is measured, and when reviews happen. See KPIs that matter.

10. Ending The Agreement

Notice period, final payment, handover of work, and return or deletion of data. See what to do when it is not working out.

Quick Reference Table

Country-Specific Rules

Labor and tax rules vary widely. Some countries require certain contract terms or benefits. Working with a partner that handles compliance can reduce the burden. Globaltize describes how it approaches this on its EOR page, and the IRS guidance on independent contractors explains the U.S. perspective on classification.

Practical Tips

• Use plain language.

• Get a lawyer to review a template once, then reuse it.

• Keep signed copies in your shared drive.

• Revisit the agreement when the scope changes.

What This Looks Like In Practice

A consultant hired a remote assistant on a handshake. Two months later they disagreed about hours and who owned the templates the assistant had built. A one-page agreement would have settled both. The next hire started with one, and both sides said it made them more comfortable, not less.

A short written agreement protects the relationship, not just the business.

They review it once a year and update the scope.

A Quick Checklist Before You Start

Before you sign, make sure the agreement covers:

• Scope of work and hours

• Pay, currency, and payment dates

• Confidentiality and data handling

• Who owns the work produced

• How either side can end it

See the independent contractor definition or employer of record explained.

Questions Owners Ask

Do I need a lawyer?

For a simple contractor agreement, a good template plus a quick review is usually enough. Complex or employee arrangements need advice.

Should the agreement cover tools I provide?

Yes. Say what you provide, what they return, and when access ends.

Next Steps

Draft your first agreement using the list above, and tell us who you need. Explore our comparison of assistants and employees to decide what structure fits.