What is a Service Agreement?
A service agreement sets out the terms on which you will provide services to a client. It protects both parties by clearly defining scope, payment, timelines, and what happens if the engagement ends early. Our EU-compliant service agreements are used by consultants, agencies, and professional services firms across Europe.
What's included
- Service description and scope of work
- Fees, invoicing schedule, and payment terms
- IP ownership and work product assignment
- Confidentiality obligations
- Warranties and liability limitations
- Termination and cancellation provisions
- Dispute resolution (negotiation, mediation, arbitration options)
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a service agreement and a freelance contract?+
A service agreement is typically used for business-to-business professional services. A freelance contract is used when hiring an individual contractor. Both serve similar functions but have different legal implications around employment status.
Can I include a retainer arrangement?+
Yes — our template includes an optional retainer clause for ongoing monthly arrangements with flexible scope.
What payment terms should I use?+
The EU Late Payment Directive requires payment within 30 days of invoice. Our template defaults to 30 days with interest on late payments at the statutory EU rate.