Free Freelance Full-Stack Developer Contract Template for Canada

A freelance full-stack developer contract covers both frontend and backend development work, making it one of the most comprehensive technical contracts you'll encounter. Full-stack projects span the entire application — from user interfaces and client-side logic to server-side APIs, databases, and deployment infrastructure. This complexity demands an especially detailed contract that addresses technical architecture decisions, code quality standards, testing requirements, and deployment responsibilities. This free full-stack developer contract template is tailored for the Canadian freelance market and covers everything from technology stack agreements and API documentation to database migration procedures and ongoing maintenance terms. Whether you're building a web application, SaaS product, or internal tool, this template provides the legal and technical framework for a successful engagement.

Full-stack development projects carry higher risk than single-discipline work because they span multiple technical domains. Without a contract, disputes arise over: which technologies and frameworks to use, what constitutes "complete" when the work spans frontend and backend, who is responsible for hosting, deployment, and DevOps, and what level of code documentation and testing is expected. A full-stack developer working without a contract might deliver a beautiful frontend with an unmaintainable backend, or build a rock-solid API with a poor user interface — leaving the client responsible for expensive remediation. A contract aligns expectations on technical quality, defines the technology stack upfront, and establishes testing and documentation standards that protect the client's long-term investment.

Full-stack contracts require extensive technical clauses. Define the technology stack for both frontend and backend — frameworks, languages, databases, and hosting platforms. Include a code quality clause specifying: version control practices (Git branching strategy), code review requirements, testing standards (unit test coverage minimums, integration testing), documentation standards (inline comments, README files, API documentation), and coding style guidelines (linting rules, formatting). Add a deployment clause covering: hosting environment setup, CI/CD pipeline configuration, environment variables and secrets management, and production deployment procedures. Include a database clause addressing schema design approval, migration procedures, backup strategies, and data seeding for development environments. Address API documentation requirements — for projects with APIs, specify the documentation format (OpenAPI/Swagger, Postman collections).

Full-stack scope of work must cover both layers of the application. Frontend: list of pages/screens with responsive breakpoints, component library or design system implementation, state management approach, client-side routing and navigation, form handling and validation, and accessibility compliance. Backend: API endpoints with methods and payloads, authentication and authorization implementation, database schema and relationships, third-party service integrations (payment processing, email, storage), background job processing, and caching strategy. DevOps: development environment setup, staging and production environment configuration, CI/CD pipeline, monitoring and logging setup, and SSL/domain configuration. Testing: unit test coverage target, integration test scope, and end-to-end test scenarios. Define what's out of scope: UI/UX design, content creation, mobile app development, and ongoing maintenance after the warranty period.

Full-stack projects warrant milestone-based payments aligned with technical deliverables. A typical structure for a medium project: 20% upon signing (project setup, architecture planning), 20% upon backend API completion, 20% upon frontend implementation, 20% upon integration testing and staging deployment, 20% upon production launch and acceptance. For larger projects, add milestones for database design approval, authentication system completion, and third-party integration milestones. Hourly engagements should include weekly time reports broken down by frontend, backend, and DevOps work. Specify separate rates for different work types if applicable (architecture consulting vs. development). Include a "discovery" phase budget for projects requiring architectural planning before full development begins.

Full-stack IP involves multiple asset types. Custom application code — both frontend and backend — typically transfers to the client upon full payment. Pre-existing libraries, frameworks, boilerplate code, and development tools the developer brings to the project remain the developer's property but are licensed to the client for use within the delivered project. Open-source dependencies are governed by their respective licenses — include a clause requiring the developer to disclose all third-party licenses and ensure compatibility with the client's intended use. Address code repository ownership — the client should own the repository and all commit history. The developer retains the right to reuse non-client-specific patterns, architectural approaches, and utility functions in future projects.

Full-stack project termination requires careful handling of partially completed systems. Upon termination, the developer should deliver: all source code committed to the repository, database schemas and migration files, API documentation for completed endpoints, deployment configuration and environment variables (secrets excluded), and a technical handoff document covering architecture decisions, known issues, and recommended next steps. The client pays for all completed milestones plus pro-rated payment for the current milestone based on completion percentage. Kill fee: 25% of remaining contract value. The developer provides a 2-week transition period for knowledge transfer to the replacement developer. Address hosting and service accounts — transfer all accounts to the client's ownership.

Full-stack developers access the client's entire technical infrastructure — databases, APIs, user data, and business logic. The confidentiality clause should cover: source code and technical architecture, database contents and user data, API keys, credentials, and authentication secrets, infrastructure configuration and security measures, and business logic and proprietary algorithms. Specify that the developer will follow security best practices: encrypted communications, no credentials in code repositories, secure handling of production data, and no copying of user data to personal devices. For applications handling personal information, reference PIPEDA compliance and specify the developer's data processing responsibilities. Include a provision for security vulnerability disclosure.

Full-stack developers in Canada should address several compliance areas. If the application processes personal information, ensure PIPEDA compliance in data handling, storage, and transmission. For applications available in Quebec, Law 25 imposes additional privacy requirements including privacy impact assessments and consent management. Accessibility requirements under the Accessible Canada Act and provincial legislation (AODA in Ontario) may apply to the frontend components. If the application involves financial transactions, PCI DSS compliance may be required. For applications serving users in Quebec, consider bilingual requirements under the Charter of the French Language. CASL applies if the application sends commercial electronic messages. GST/HST applies to development services; specify tax handling in payment terms.