I would prefer a permanent contract from the start.
'Indeterminato' = in-deh-ter-mi-NA-to. Six syllables; stress the fifth.
Use this when offered a fixed-term contract ('tempo determinato') but you want permanent employment. In Italy, contract type is a critical employment issue and is fully negotiable within legal constraints.
'Contratto a tempo indeterminato' is permanent employment — the most protected form of Italian employment. It is significantly harder to terminate than a 'contratto a tempo determinato' (fixed-term), making it far more valuable.
C'è possibilità di conversione a tempo indeterminato?
Is there a possibility of conversion to permanent employment?
Asks about the pathway from fixed-term to permanent
Dopo quanti rinnovi diventa indeterminato?
After how many renewals does it become permanent?
Refers to Italian law limiting fixed-term renewals
Sarei disposto/a ad accettare un fisso se mi viene garantito un indeterminato.
I would be willing to accept a lower salary if I am guaranteed permanent employment.
Trade-off strategy; contract type for lower pay
Italian labour law severely limits the use of fixed-term contracts. The 'Decreto Dignità' (2018) capped fixed-term contracts at 12 months (24 with specific justifications) and limited renewals. Many Italian workers still prefer the security of 'indeterminato' over higher pay with a temporary contract.