Migrants are eligible to sponsor their relatives after a year of legal esidence, as long as they have at least a one-year permit. Migrants can sponsor their spouse or registered partner, minor children and sometimes ependent parents and grandparents. Applicants do not have to pass an integration test, but their sponsors have to meet conditions such as proving sufficient income and accommodation for the family. Reunited families would enjoy best practice security of status if the state accorded them legal guarantees and avenues for redress in case their application is refused or their permit withdrawn. Unless a family member receives a work permit or authorisation, he must live in Spain for five years before he can have a status autonomous of his sponsor. Spain would achieve best practice if this period were reduced to three years, as in eight MIPEX countries.
