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. A person's domicile is the place where they have their most settled legal connection. Basically the terms "domicile" and "legal residence" refer to the same place – the state you consider your permanent home. A residence is a place of some permanency, while a domicile is a true, fixed permanent home to which an individual intends to return after an absence. Domicile refers to the place you call home permanently. Your domicile is important for legal purposes such as paying taxes, voting, and claiming benefits. You CAN register to vote!