Last updated in March 2026.
You’ve posted a job, screened applicants, tested and interviewed them. Now you’re here—you’ve found the one.
You’re ready to start training and working!
But first, do you really need a contract when hiring virtual assistant?
When you’re hiring someone from the other side of the world, what’s a contract good for?
That’s what this video is about. I’ll be shining a light on contracts—how they work and whether you really need one.
Key Takeaways: Contract When Hiring Virtual Assistant
If you don’t have time to watch the whole thing, here’s the short version of what I cover in this video:
1. A contract shows you’re taking the relationship seriously.
Putting things in writing signals professionalism.
You’re letting a candidate know this is a real job with clear expectations (not just a handshake or vibes‑based arrangement). This can help you attract people who value structure and clarity.
2. Contracts can be tricky when working across borders.
Just because you have a contract doesn’t mean you can actually enforce it in another country. Laws where you live might not apply where your virtual assistant lives, and pursuing legal action internationally is often expensive and complicated.
3. You don’t have to have a lawyer draft something to get started.
A formal legal contract isn’t always necessary — most employers start with a basic written agreement that outlines the job, payment terms, roles, and expectations. That’s enough to get going and helps you both stay on the same page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I require a contract when hiring a virtual assistant?
You can if you want to clarify expectations, payment terms, or confidentiality. Just remember that if your VA is in another country, enforcing the contract legally may not be very practical.
Are contracts enforceable when hiring internationally?
Sometimes, but it’s usually complicated and expensive. That’s why most employers focus more on finding trustworthy people and building a good working relationship.
Do I need a lawyer to draft a contract for my virtual assistant?
No, you usually don’t. Most employers just use a simple written agreement that outlines the role, payment terms, expectations, and confidentiality if needed. The goal is mainly to make sure both sides understand the arrangement, not to create a complicated legal document.
What should I include in a VA contract?
If you decide to use one, keep it simple. Include things like payment terms, working hours, responsibilities, and any confidentiality expectations.
The Bottom Line
A contract can be helpful if you want to outline expectations, but it’s usually not the thing that makes a virtual assistant relationship work. If you hire great people and treat them well, that relationship will matter far more than anything written in a contract.
If you want more outsourcing advice like this, check out our outsourcing education page. You can also subscribe to our blog to be notified when new videos are published.
While you’re here, go ahead and sign up for an OnlineJobs.ph employer account—you can start hiring your first VA in minutes!
Lastly, remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel as we release new videos regularly.
You can also check out How to Get a Referral to a Great VA in the Philippines and learn how to get started on hiring rockstar virtual assistants.
A bit of feedback… your posts are great, but lots of people hate being forced to watch a video to get information. Why not have the video transcribed (or better yet, summarized)? Onlinejobs.ph of all places should have access to people who can do this.
Hi Donald,
Thank you for your comment. We try our best to provide a summary using our blog post & adding subtitles on the videos provided. We also try our best to make sure the videos are not too long but not too short, as long as the quality of the video is delivered. We will continue to improve in providing great services for employers and workers, including our Practical Advice videos and other videos as well