diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b5e621c0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -0,0 +1,141 @@
+# Contributing to Evo AI
+
+We welcome contributions from the community! Please follow the guidelines below to help us maintain a high-quality, consistent, and secure project.
+
+---
+
+## 📋 Prerequisites
+
+- **Backend**: Python 3.10+, PostgreSQL 13+, Redis 6+, Git, Make
+- **Frontend**: Node.js 18+, pnpm (recommended), or npm/yarn
+
+---
+
+## 🚀 Setting Up the Development Environment
+
+### 1. Clone the Repository
+
+```bash
+git clone https://github.com/EvolutionAPI/evo-ai.git
+cd evo-ai
+````
+
+### 2. Backend Setup
+
+```bash
+make venv
+source venv/bin/activate  # On Linux/Mac
+# Or: venv\Scripts\activate  # On Windows
+
+make install-dev
+
+cp .env.example .env
+# Edit .env with your local settings
+
+make alembic-upgrade
+make seed-all
+```
+
+### 3. Frontend Setup
+
+```bash
+cd frontend
+pnpm install           # Or: npm install / yarn install
+
+cp .env.example .env
+# Edit .env with your API URL, e.g., NEXT_PUBLIC_API_URL=http://localhost:8000
+```
+
+### 4. Running the Application
+
+* **Backend**:
+
+  ```bash
+  make run
+  # Backend: http://localhost:8000
+  ```
+
+* **Frontend**:
+
+  ```bash
+  cd frontend
+  pnpm dev
+  # Frontend: http://localhost:3000
+  ```
+
+---
+
+## 📝 Issue and Pull Request Guidelines
+
+* **Check for existing issues** before creating a new one.
+* **Describe bugs or feature requests** clearly with steps to reproduce (if applicable).
+* **Pull Requests** should:
+
+  * Reference relevant issues (e.g., `Fixes #123`)
+  * Focus on one change at a time
+  * Include tests where applicable
+  * Pass linting and formatting checks
+
+---
+
+## 🧑‍💻 Code Standards
+
+* **All code comments, docstrings, and log messages must be in English**
+* **Variable, function, and class names**: English only
+* **API error messages and documentation**: English
+* **Commit messages**: English and follow [Conventional Commits](https://www.conventionalcommits.org/)
+
+  * Example: `feat(auth): add password reset functionality`
+* **Indentation**: 4 spaces
+* **Max line length**: 79 characters
+
+---
+
+## 📂 Project Structure and Best Practices
+
+* Follow the directory structure and naming conventions described in `.cursorrules`.
+* **Tests** should be placed under `tests/` and follow the `test_*` naming convention.
+* All routes require input validation using Pydantic schemas.
+* Use transactions for database operations affecting multiple records.
+* Document all public functions and classes.
+* Keep `.env.example` updated when adding environment variables.
+* Sensitive values must be set via environment variables and never hard-coded.
+
+---
+
+## 🐳 Docker Development
+
+* **Build and start stack:**
+
+  ```bash
+  make docker-build
+  make docker-up
+  ```
+* **Seed database:**
+
+  ```bash
+  make docker-seed
+  ```
+* **Stop stack:**
+
+  ```bash
+  make docker-down
+  ```
+
+---
+
+## 🔐 Contributor License
+
+By contributing to this repository, you agree that your contributions will be licensed under the [Apache License 2.0](./LICENSE).
+
+---
+
+## 💬 Community and Support
+
+* [WhatsApp Group](https://evolution-api.com/whatsapp)
+* [Discord Community](https://evolution-api.com/discord)
+* [Official Documentation](https://doc.evolution-api.com)
+
+---
+
+Thank you for contributing to Evo AI!