Danish family reunion policies are the third most restrictive in MIPEX. Denmark was the only MIPEX country to have eligibility criteria for family reunion that are critically limiting (see box). Migrants must be permanent residents for three years, which normally means up to ten years of waiting. Refugees and holders of subsidiary protection are exempt from the rule. Spouses and minor children have to comply with additional conditions. Dependent relatives or adult children are only allowed in exceptional cases. Those family members who are eligible for family reunion must undergo a free and short procedure involving conditions such as a high-level language test and a compulsory course. The security of status and rights associated are likewise halfway to best practice; spouses can access education, training and employment in the same way as their sponsors, but can only get a resident permit in their own right after seven years.
