Explore / Founder life / Freelancing
Freelancing · checked 11 November 2026
Start on one marketplace with a narrow, priced offer, Upwork for longer clients or Fiverr for gigs, and move repeat clients to direct contracts.
Upwork takes 0% to 15% per contract and Freelancer.com 10% or $5, so set your rate on what you keep; Contra is commission-free and LinkedIn's Services Marketplace gives you a free Service Page. Work for a foreign client can count as an export of services, zero-rated under GST, and you register for GST once turnover crosses ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in special category states).
The steps 3 answers
- Which tools should a freelancer in India use? Starting Up
- Which freelancing platforms are best for beginners in India? Starting Up
- How do I get my first client as a freelancer? Starting Up
Tools that do it for you
- ContraCreatives with a portfolio who want to keep the whole fee
- LinkedIn Services MarketplaceWork that comes through people who already know you
The readingMost used across these answers
- GST for Freelancers & Consultants: A Complete Guide for Domestic & Foreign Clients Read · 3 answers
- Freelancer Agreement in India: IP, Ownership and the Clauses That Actually Bind Read · 2 answers
- Watch this to get your first 5 customers Watch · 2 answers
- Learn about the Freelancer Service Fee Read
- Creating a Gig Read
- Freelancer.com fees and charges Read
- Should I Invoice in INR or Foreign Currency? Read
- Learn about the Freelancer Service Fee (Upwork) Read
The terms
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