One of the most common mistakes employers make when hiring a Filipino virtual assistant is skipping a written contract. A short, clear agreement protects both sides — it sets expectations, prevents disputes over scope and payment, and gives your VA confidence that the engagement is professional and legitimate.
Below is a free, plain-language contract template you can copy, edit with your specifics, and send to your new hire. It covers everything a typical VA engagement needs without unnecessary legal complexity.
Note: This template is for independent contractor arrangements — the most common structure when hiring Filipino remote workers internationally. It is not a template for employment (with payroll, benefits, or statutory deductions). If you need a formal employment contract, consult a local HR or legal professional.
Before we get to the template, here's what every Filipino VA contract should include at minimum:
Copy the template below, fill in the highlighted fields, and share it with your VA via Google Docs or email for signature.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT
Virtual Assistant Services
This Independent Contractor Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [Date] between:
Client: [Your Full Name or Company Name], located at [Your Country / City] ("Client")
Contractor: [VA's Full Name], based in the Philippines ("Contractor")
The Contractor agrees to provide virtual assistant services as described below:
[List specific tasks — e.g., email management, scheduling, social media posting, customer support, bookkeeping, etc.]
Hours: [e.g., 20 hours per week / 40 hours per week]
Schedule: [e.g., Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm PHT / flexible async]
The Client agrees to pay the Contractor at a rate of [e.g., $7/hour or $600/month], payable [weekly / bi-weekly / monthly] via [Wise / PayPal / Payoneer / bank transfer].
Payment will be made on or before [e.g., every Friday / the 1st and 15th of the month]. Late payments beyond 5 business days will be communicated in advance by the Client.
The Contractor is an independent contractor and not an employee of the Client. The Contractor is responsible for their own taxes, social contributions, and any government-mandated obligations in the Philippines. The Client will not withhold taxes or provide employee benefits.
The Contractor agrees to keep all Client information, business data, client lists, and proprietary materials strictly confidential during and after this engagement. The Contractor will not share, sell, or disclose any such information to third parties without written consent from the Client.
All work, content, designs, documents, or deliverables created by the Contractor in the course of this engagement are the sole property of the Client. The Contractor waives any claim to ownership of work produced under this Agreement.
The Contractor agrees to be reachable via [e.g., Slack / Email / WhatsApp] during agreed working hours. The Contractor will notify the Client at least [24 / 48] hours in advance of any planned absence or unavailability.
Either party may terminate this Agreement with [7 / 14 / 30] days' written notice. The Client reserves the right to terminate immediately for cause (e.g., breach of confidentiality, fraud, or repeated non-performance). Upon termination, the Contractor will be paid for all work completed up to the termination date.
Both parties agree to resolve any disputes in good faith before seeking formal legal remedies. This Agreement reflects the full understanding between both parties and supersedes any prior verbal or written arrangements.
Client Signature: _________________________________ Date: ____________
Client Name (Print): _________________________________
Contractor Signature: _________________________________ Date: ____________
Contractor Name (Print): _________________________________
Tip: Even if you trust your VA completely, a signed contract protects them too — it confirms the rate, the scope, and the payment schedule in writing. Filipino professionals appreciate the professionalism it signals.
Generally, no. When hiring a Filipino worker as an independent contractor from outside the Philippines, the tax obligation falls on the contractor in the Philippines, not the foreign employer. However, tax situations vary — if you're establishing a Philippine entity or have significant operations there, consult a local accountant.
USD is the most common currency for international VA arrangements with Filipino workers. Most use Wise (formerly TransferWise), Payoneer, or PayPal to receive payments. Agree on the currency upfront and specify it in the contract.
The 13th month pay is mandatory for employees under Philippine labor law — but independent contractors are not covered by the same rules. That said, many employers choose to give a 13th month bonus as a goodwill gesture. It significantly improves loyalty and retention.
Most VA contracts are open-ended (no fixed end date) with a termination notice clause, which is what this template uses. This is more practical than fixed-term contracts for ongoing work relationships.
A contract is only as good as the hire behind it. WorkBase PH pre-vets every specialist on the platform — video-verified, hardware-checked, and AI-matched to your role — so you start with the right person before the contract is even signed.
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