Free Software Development Subcontractor Agreement Template

A software development subcontractor agreement is a contract between a contractor (or agency) and a subcontractor hired to provide software development services. It spells out the work, deadlines, payment terms, and other rules both sides agree to follow.

It also helps avoid common project issues, like unclear deliverables, scope creep, missed milestones, or disagreements over who owns the code.

What Your Agreement Should Cover

A strong subcontractor agreement typically includes:

• Scope of work. What the subcontractor will build, fix, test, or maintain, and what “done” means.
• Payment terms. Rate (hourly, milestone-based, or flat fee), invoicing schedule, and payment deadlines.
• Timeline and milestones. Key delivery dates, review cycles, and what happens if timelines change.
• Termination terms. When either side can end the agreement and what deliverables must be handed over.
• Ownership and IP. Who owns the code, documentation, and other work product once it’s paid for.
• Party details and signatures. Legal names, addresses, and signature lines for both parties.

Use this agreement when you’re hiring a software developer who is not joining your team as an employee.

For example, it’s a good fit when you:

• Need extra help for a large project, short timeline, or specialized build.
• Hire a developer through a contractor, agency, or another vendor.
• Want clear terms for front-end, back-end, or full-stack work without a long-term employment commitment.

If you’re hiring someone directly as a non-employee worker, you may also want an independent contractor agreement.

Software projects move faster when roles are clear upfront. In addition to the agreement itself, it helps to align on what type of developer you need, what they’ll deliver, and how you’ll work together.

Common Types of Software Development Subcontractors

Here are a few common specializations you may subcontract:

• Front-end developers. Focus on what users see and interact with, including UI and UX.
• Back-end developers. Build server-side logic, APIs, databases, and system functions.
• Full-stack developers. Handle both front-end and back-end work across the product.
• Machine learning developers. Build and train ML or AI features for your software.
• Data specialists. Support data pipelines, storage, reporting, or analytics.
• CRM-focused developers. Work on customer data systems, automations, and integrations.

Common Services Subcontractors Provide

Subcontractors often help with:

• Website development
• Mobile app development
• Game development
• Security and access systems
• CRM builds, setup, or customization

There are no federal or state legal certification requirements to work as a software development subcontractor. However, some developers hold voluntary certifications that may help you evaluate experience.

For example, the CIW Web Development Professional certification covers multiple web development topics and exams.