A virtual assistant contract template should cover: scope of work, rate and payment terms, confidentiality, IP ownership, termination, and governing law. Copy the plain-English template below, edit the bracketed sections, and send it before work starts.
Hiring a VA without a written agreement causes problems. Scope expands. Payment gets disputed. Data access is unclear. This virtual assistant contract template gives you a plain-English agreement. Fill in the brackets and send it before work starts.
What to include in a virtual assistant contract template
| Section | What it covers | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Parties | Full names of client and VA | Sets out who is bound |
| Scope of work | Specific tasks and what is excluded | Stops scope creep |
| Rate and payment | Hourly rate or monthly fee, invoice cycle | No cost disputes |
| Hours and availability | Weekly hours, overlap window, response time | Sets clear expectations |
| Confidentiality | What data the VA can access | Protects your business data |
| Intellectual property | Who owns work created | Deliverables belong to you |
| Termination | Notice period, data return | Clean exit when needed |
| Governing law | Which country's law applies | Clear jurisdiction |
Virtual assistant contract template (copy-paste)
This is a starting-point virtual assistant service agreement. Edit the brackets. It is not legal advice. For complex or high-value work, get a lawyer to review it.
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT SERVICE AGREEMENT Parties Client: [Your full legal name or business name], [City, Country] Virtual Assistant: [VA full name or business name], [City, Country] Start date: [Date] 1. Scope of work The VA will perform these tasks for the Client: - [Task 1 — e.g. Inbox: sort, flag and draft replies for approval daily] - [Task 2 — e.g. Calendar: book, reschedule and confirm meetings] - [Task 3 — e.g. CRM: update contact records within 24 hours of each call] No other tasks without written approval. 2. Rate and payment Rate: [e.g. $12 per hour / $500 per month for 80 hours] Invoices: [1st / 15th] of each month Payment due: within [14] days of invoice Method: [PayPal / bank transfer / other] Unused hours: [roll over / expire at month end] 3. Hours and availability Estimated hours per week: [X] Overlap window: [e.g. 9 am–11 am EST, Monday to Friday] Response time: within [4 business hours] 4. Confidentiality The VA keeps all Client information confidential during and for [3] years after the end of this virtual assistant agreement. The VA will not share or sell Client data. Credentials will be returned or deleted on termination. 5. Intellectual property All work is owned by the Client on delivery and payment. The VA keeps no rights to deliverables or systems used during the engagement. 6. Independent contractor The VA is an independent contractor, not an employee. The VA handles their own taxes, insurance and equipment. 7. Termination Either party may end this agreement with [14] days' written notice. The VA will return or delete all Client data within [5] business days. The Client will pay for all hours worked up to the end date. 8. Governing law This agreement is governed by the laws of [Country / State]. Disputes go to good-faith talks first, then mediation. Signed: Client: _________________________ Date: _________ VA: _________________________ Date: _________
5 things to check in any VA contract template
Most disputes come from vague wording in one of these areas.
- Scope list: "General admin" is too vague. Name each task. Add a line that says no other tasks run without written approval. This is the most important fix in any VA contract template.
- IP clause: Some laws give copyright to the creator, not the client. Name the client as owner. Do not leave this out of your virtual assistant agreement.
- Data return: Set a deadline. Five business days is common. Be specific about how accounts are closed and files are deleted.
- Notice period: 14 days works for most engagements. Longer arrangements may need 30 days for a clean handover.
- Governing law: A VA in India and a client in the US need a clear choice of law. Leave it blank and courts in two countries may both claim jurisdiction.
When you do not need a separate VA contract template
If you hire through a managed service, the service terms are your contract. MyRemoteVA's Terms of Service covers scope, payment, confidentiality, IP, termination and governing law. No extra paper is needed.
For a direct hire from Upwork or OnlineJobs.ph, a freelance virtual assistant contract is essential. There is no service layer. There is no quality review. A signed agreement is your only protection.
How to use this virtual assistant contract template
Three steps. First, copy the template. Second, fill in every bracket. Do not leave any blank. Third, send it and wait for a reply before work starts. Keep a signed copy on file. Update it if the scope changes.
Use the VA vs employee cost calculator to compare total costs. Use the plan cost calculator to find the right plan for your hours.
Helpful next steps
- Virtual assistant job description template
- 8 ready-to-use VA task brief templates
- Plan your VA hand-off (free interactive planner)
- MyRemoteVA plans from $5.62/hr
- How to work with a virtual assistant
Frequently asked questions
Does a virtual assistant contract need to be notarised?
No. A written agreement signed by both parties is valid in most countries without notarisation. For high-value engagements, ask a local lawyer.
What is the difference between a virtual assistant contract and a service agreement?
They are the same thing. "Contract" and "service agreement" both set out who does what, at what rate, and under what terms. Use whichever word you prefer.
Can I use a virtual assistant contract template without a lawyer?
Yes, for routine work. The template below covers all standard clauses. For complex or long-term arrangements, a lawyer review is a good idea.
Should I use a contract with a managed virtual assistant service?
A managed service provides its own Terms of Service. That is your contract. MyRemoteVA publishes terms at myremoteva.com/terms-of-service. You do not need a separate contract on top.
What is doing this yourself costing you?
Doing it yourself: $2,165 a month of your time.
The same hours at our $12/hr pay-as-you-go rate: $520. Dedicated plans start at $5.62/hr.
Simple maths from the numbers you enter. It assumes a VA can take on those hours.
Start for $1Written by the MyRemoteVA team. Search-trend figures come from Google Trends. Prices shown are our current plans. Last updated October 17, 2026. Questions or corrections? Contact us.