A person's domicile is the place where they have their most settled legal connection. Residency is where one chooses to live.Domicile is more permanent and is essentially somebody's home base. The term "domicile" refers to a person's one "true, fixed, permanent home," under California regulations. 18 Cal Code Regs §17014(c). "Legal Residence" is used frequently as a synonym of "domicile. 1. a dwelling place : place of residence : home 2. Law a : a person's fixed, permanent, and principal home for legal purposes The term "domicile" refers to your primary residence or "home base.