Free download
Format: MD · File: client-onboarding-checklist.md
Download Client Onboarding Checklist — UK Freelancer
No signup required. Free to use, share, and adapt for your own freelance business.
What's inside
Sections: Before signing, Contract stage, Financial setup, Communication setup, Data and security, Kick-off. References statutory late-payment interest and UK GDPR.
How to use it
Download the file, then open it in your preferred tool (any text editor, or preview as Markdown). All fields are editable. Extend rows or add columns as your business grows.
This template is one of 10 free resources in the FreelanceToolkit UK library. All designed for UK freelancers and small businesses in the 2025/26 tax year.
Related on FreelanceToolkit UK
Not for most freelance work. But without one, disputes are dramatically harder to resolve — most freelancers who've had a payment fight in court agree it was worth having the paperwork.
20-30% is typical for UK freelance projects over £2,000. It protects both parties and confirms commitment.
If the client's MSA is reasonable, use it (saves time). If it has one-sided IP or liability clauses, negotiate or use your own. Never sign an MSA without reading it.
If you process personal data (contact details, employee records, customer data), you need a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) with the client. See ICO guidance.
Within 5-10 working days. Any longer and momentum drains from both sides.
See also: Freelancer Expense Tracker Template UK — related guide from FreelanceToolkit UK.
See also: New Freelancer Starter Pack — UK 2025/26 — related guide from FreelanceToolkit UK.