This article explains how contractors can create Fixed-Rate, Pay-As-You-Go, or Milestone contract types on Deel without the need to create a client account.
Contractors themselves can create legal contracts for the following agreements:
- Fixed Rate – For contracts that have a fixed rate each payment cycle
- Pay As You Go – For contracts that require time sheets or work submissions each payment cycle
- Milestone – For contracts with milestones that get paid each time they're completed
In This Article
How to create a Fixed Rate contract
How to create a Pay As You Go contract
How to create a Milestone contract
How to Create a Fixed Rate Contract
✅ Step 1 – Select a contract type
On the home-page menu, select Create A Contract and choose Fixed Rate
✅ Step 2 – Enter details
Enter a contract name and the tax residence.
✅ Step 3 – Enter role details
Provide some basic information about the role, including Role Description and Scope of Work.
✅ Step 4 – Define payment and date details
Select the payment currency and the payment frequency: Weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly.
- Every week – select a day when the payment is due weekly
- Every two weeks – select a day when the payment is due every other week
- Every month – select the last day of the month or any other specific date as the payment due date.
- Twice per month – select the 15th and the last day of the month or two specific dates as payment due dates.
✅ Step 5 – Add first-payment details
Choose the date to receive the first payment, and how the first-payment amount will be calculated.
- Full Amount – Receive the full weekly amount for the first payment, regardless of the start date.
- Custom Amount – Receive the customized amount entered for the first payment.
A notice period can be created where either party can terminate the contract after the designated notice period. Contractors can also choose a date to terminate the contract.
✅ Step 6 – Upload contract
Opt to upload a custom pre-signed contract, or use Deel's standard contract that is locally compliant.
Note: If a contractor is using their own custom contract, please ensure the PDF has been signed before uploading.
✅ Step 7 – Create the contract
Add any additional document and/or special clause, and select Create Contract.
How to Create a Pay As You Go Contract
✅ Step 1 – Select a contract type
On the home-page menu, select Create A Contract and choose Pay As You Go.
✅ Step 2 – Enter details
Enter a contract name and the tax residence.
✅ Step 3 – Enter role details
Provide some basic information about the role, including Role Description and Scope of Work. Also, define Who can submit the work – the client, the contractor, or both – by using the toggle.
✅ Step 4 – Define when the contract will be paid and the invoice cycle
- Define whether the contract will be paid Per Task or at a Fixed Rate.
- Choose the invoicing cycle: weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly.
✅ Step 5 – Select the start date and first-payment date
A notice period can be created where either party can terminate the contract after the designated notice period. Contractors can also choose a date to terminate the contract.
✅ Step 6 – Upload contract
Opt to upload a custom pre-signed contract, or use Deel's standard contract that is locally compliant.
Note: If a contractor is using their own custom contract, please ensure the PDF has been signed before uploading.
✅ Step 7 – Create the contract
Add any additional document and/or special clause, and select Create Contract.
How to Create a Milestone Contract
Prerequisites
- You must have permission to create contracts for contractors.
- Confirm you are creating a contract for a contractor (not an employee).
✅ Step 1 – Navigate to the Milestone contract form & select the contract type
Follow the steps below to reach the Milestone contract-creation form:
- Access the Deel home page – Log in and make sure the main navigation bar is visible.
- Locate the “Add people” section – Scroll until you see Add people.
3. Select “Contractor” – Click Contractor (a person who is self-employed and works with clients on a project basis).
4. Choose the “Milestone” contract type – On the contract-type selection page, click Milestone.
5. Verify that the contract-details form appears – The form titled Add person should now be displayed. You can proceed to fill in the contractor’s details.
Tip: Use the progress bar on the right of the form to track your progress through Personal details → Role details & dates → Compliance → Benefits & extras → Review & sign.
✅ Step 2 – Enter contractor & contract details
Enter a Contract name and the contractor’s Tax residence.
✅ Step 3 – Enter role details
Provide the Role Description, Scope of Work, and select the Payment Currency.
✅ Step 4 – Provide milestone details
Add one or more milestones, including milestone name, description, amount, and due date.
✅ Step 5 – Select the start date and first-payment date
A notice period can be created where either party can terminate the contract after the designated notice period. Contractors can also choose a date to terminate the contract.
✅ Step 6 – Upload contract
Opt to upload a custom pre-signed contract, or use Deel's standard contract that is locally compliant.
Note: If a contractor is using their own custom contract, please ensure the PDF has been signed before uploading.
✅ Step 7 – Create the contract
Add any additional document and/or special clause, and select Create Contract.
Troubleshooting
- Cannot find the “Contractor” option – Ensure you are on the Deel home page and have the correct permissions.
- Milestone option not visible – Make sure you have selected Contractor and are on the contract-type selection page.
- Form does not load – Refresh the page or try a different browser. If the issue persists, contact Deel support.
How to Sign Contracts
On the home-page menu, select Contracts. From there, contractors can review contract details and then click Review & Sign. Next, invite the client to sign.
Optional: Click Switch Signing Order to have the client sign first.
The contract is activated only after both parties have signed.
FAQs
[ACCORDION] Can contractors add more than one milestone to their contract?
Yes. While creating the milestone details for the contract, contractors will see an option to Add A Milestone. Additional milestones can also be added later via the Contracts tab.
[ACCORDION] Can a contractor delete a specific clause in the Deel contractor contract?
Yes. Contractors can delete a clause in a contractor-generated contract. If they opt to customize the contract, the edited version will replace Deel’s standard contract.
Deel's contractor contracts in each region have been rigorously reviewed by local lawyers to minimize risk. While contractors may edit the contract, we recommend leaving it unchanged for maximum compliance.
After selecting Review & Sign, contractors can choose Create a New Contract Template. This template contains the original Deel contract as a starting point. Edit as needed, save, and apply the changes. The new template will be used in place of the Deel contract.
[ACCORDION] How can a contractor cancel a contract?
From the Contracts tab, click the three dots next to the contract and select Cancel Contract. Contractors will be given the option to delete it after the cancellation process is complete.
[ACCORDION] When does a contract become active?
The contract is activated only when both parties have signed.