Lepingupõhiste

Lepingupõhiste is the Estonian term used to describe work arrangements, personnel, or relations that are governed by a contract rather than by an employee relationship. The term emphasizes that the relationship between the parties—such as a client and a service provider, freelancer, or contractor—is formed and regulated primarily through a contract for services or a similar civil-law instrument, rather than through an employment contract.

Common forms of lepingupõhised arrangements include independent contractors, freelancers, consultants, subcontractors, and other service providers who perform tasks for a client under a contract for work or a service contract. Key characteristics typically include a higher degree of autonomy in how the work is performed, invoicing for completed tasks or periods of work, and the assumption of certain business risks by the contractor. These arrangements often focus on outcomes or deliverables rather than ongoing supervision and day-to-day control.

In legal terms, lepingupõhised relations can be governed by contract law or civil-law provisions, and may fall outside the scope of standard employment law. In Estonia, for example, employment relationships are primarily regulated by the Employment Contracts Act, while contracts for work or service arrangements are addressed under the Law of Obligations Act and related civil-law regimes. Taxation, social security contributions, and other statutory obligations may be the responsibility of the contractor rather than the client, depending on the precise classification of the relationship.

The use of lepingupõhised models offers flexibility and cost efficiency for organizations and opportunities for professionals to diversify work. However, they can also entail fewer employee benefits and protections, as well as greater responsibility for compliance and risk management for both parties.