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Checklist for hiring an independent contractor

Independent contractor hiring checklist

Hiring an independent contractor is an effective way to access specialised skills on a flexible basis for your organisation. However, it is vital to adopt a structured process to define the working arrangement and meet legal obligations.

The checklist that follows will guide you through hiring and managing independent contractors, helping to secure a transparent and legally compliant engagement.

1. Set out the scope of work

  • Identify the project or tasks: Describe explicitly the tasks or project you require the contractor to carry out.

  • Set project timelines: Specify the start date, key deadlines and the anticipated completion date.

  • Specify deliverables: Itemise the expected outcomes, products or services the contractor will deliver.

2. Confirm contractor status

  • Verify classification: Check that the worker satisfies the local legal criteria for independent contractor status.

  • Prevent misclassification: Be careful not to direct how the work is carried out, as that level of control may result in the worker being classed as an employee.

3. Budget and payment terms

  • Prepare a budget for the project or task.

  • Agree payment terms and decide if payment will be hourly, per project or on an alternative basis.

  • Establish a payment schedule: Define payment milestones—such as upfront, on completion of particular tasks, or at project end.

4. Draft a contract

Prepare a written agreement that sets out the terms of engagement and includes key provisions such as:

  • Scope and nature of the work

  • Payment terms

  • Key deadlines

  • Confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations

  • Ownership of intellectual property rights

  • Termination clause

Seek legal advice to confirm the agreement complies with all relevant laws.

5. Obtain necessary documentation

  • Proof of insurance (if applicable)

  • Portfolio or references

6. Establish communication protocols

  • Primary contact: Appoint a primary point of contact within your organisation.

  • Communication tools: Agree the preferred methods for communication

  • Regular check-ins to review progress.

7. Onboard the contractor

  • Provide access to the tools, software or platforms required.

  • Give a short orientation on your company’s processes, culture and expectations.

  • Ensure the contractor knows and follows the company’s security protocols.

8. Monitor progress and quality

  • Regular progress updates

  • Regular quality checks

  • Ongoing feedback

9. Finalise and close out the project

  • Review deliverables

  • Make final payment

A single platform to hire and manage contractors compliantly

Hiring international contractors is an excellent way to build a mission‑driven team without geographical limits, and Remote makes it easy.

Remote’s contractor management services can help you hire, pay and manage contractors worldwide, allowing you to concentrate on growing your business. With Remote you can:

  • Offer seamless onboarding for contractors

  • Manage contractor agreements using our in‑built custom contracts

  • Ensure compliance with local employment laws and tax requirements

  • Protect your intellectual property

  • Process contractor payments quickly and in the correct currency

Learn more about our contractor management services, or if you’re ready to begin onboarding contractors, sign up today.