Information for touring performers from third countries

Third-country nationals, including foreign touring performers, wishing to stay in the Slovak Republic must comply with general requirements defined in the Act 404/2021 Coll.

The requirements for the stay of foreign touring performers and their technical support staff wishing to perform in the Slovak Republic, differ based on whether they have an employment relationship with an employer in Slovakia (as defined by Article 3 of the Employment Services Act No. 5/2004) and on whether they need to apply for  temporary residence under the Act no. 404/2011 Coll.:

Foreign touring performers who DO NOT HAVE an employment relationship with an employer in the Slovak Republic (for example, they are paid outside the Slovak Republic) do not need to apply for a work permit.

• Depending on their nationality, they may need to apply for the “Temporary residence for the purpose of special activity” according to the Act no. 404/2011 Coll.
• Some third-country nationals, including UK touring performers, do not need to apply for the “Temporary residence for the purpose of special activity” for stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
• For further advice on whether and which type of temporary residence you need, please contact the Foreign Police Department in the Slovak Republic or the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic. 

Foreign touring performers who DO HAVE an employment relationship with an employer in the Slovak Republic:

• Need to apply for a “Temporary Residence for the Purpose of Employment” on the basis of confirmation on filling a vacancy. This can be done either at a Slovak Embassy or at the Foreign Police Department after arrival in Slovakia. Be advised to check the preconditions in advance.
• Some third-country nationals do not need to apply for the “Temporary Residence” for stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period, provided they stay in the Slovak Republic legally and report their place of stay to the Foreign Police Department within 3 working days of entry. Note: When staying at a hotel, hostel, etc., the accommodation provider reports the stay in the Slovak Republic on the foreigner’s behalf.
• In case the employment exceeds 30 days in a calendar year, foreign touring performers must additionally confirm to the Labour Office that they are filling a vacancy. The employer may be able to advise on how to proceed in such case.
• In case the employment does not exceed 30 days in a calendar year, this information would be automatically communicated to the Labour Office on the performer’s behalf by the respective police department (where the application for the “Temporary Residence for the Purpose of Employment” is filed).