diff --git a/.cursor/rules b/.cursor/rules
index 4f2e2c9..b310a9d 100644
--- a/.cursor/rules
+++ b/.cursor/rules
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ Honor `.github/copilot-instructions.md`; keep USB/IP protocol details accurate (
 Target Python 3.11+; use type hints and Google-style docstrings for new/changed functions.
 Use argparse for CLI changes; preserve `-v/--verbose` and helpful `--help` output.
 Run `ruff check .` and `ruff format .` before finishing; prefer small, focused diffs with tests when feasible.
+Run `reuse lint` after adding or modifying files to keep licensing headers consistent.
 Never run or suggest privileged USB operations in tooling (no `sudo`/device claiming); prefer mocks or dry-run examples.
 Favor pytest for tests; mock USB devices and libusb interactions rather than touching hardware.
 Keep license notices intact; do not change GPL licensing text without approval.
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..49567d6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+<!--
+SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2025 Alexander Brinkman
+SPDX-License-Identifier: GPL-3.0-or-later
+-->
+
+## Contributing
+
+### Setup
+- Python 3.11+; create a virtualenv and install dev deps: `pip install -e .[dev]`.
+
+### Development workflow
+- Run `ruff format .` then `ruff check .` before sending changes.
+- Run `mypy --ignore-missing-imports .` for type checks.
+- Run `reuse lint` after adding or modifying files to keep licensing headers intact.
+- Prefer small, focused PRs with CLI help text updated when flags/commands change.
+
+### Testing
+- Use `pytest`; mock USB devices/libusb interactions rather than touching hardware.
+- Avoid running privileged USB operations (`sudo`) in tests or automation.