Residency is where one chooses to live. Domicile is more permanent and is essentially somebody's home base.L Meaning of Domicile. The term "domicile" has a special legal definition that is not the same as residence. Domicile is intended to be permanent rather than temporary, whereas residence means living in a particular locality and requires mere physical presence. Individuals who are staying in California but states they reside in a different state do not meet residency requirements for CalFresh. Example:. Residency refers to where you currently live, while domicile refers to the place you intend to return to after a temporary absence. What is an "Accessory Dwelling Unit"? ADUs are attached or detached residential units that provide complete independent living.