What is Domicile and can my domicile change?
Domicile involves complex issues of law. An individual can be resident in more than one country at the same time, but can only have one domicile. A person is generally domiciled where his or her permanent home is situated. A ‘domicile of origin’ is acquired at birth, normally from one’s father. The domicile of a minor normally follows that of the person on whom he or she is legally dependant (a ‘domicile of dependency’). However, a ‘domicile of choice’ can be acquired from age 16. This broadly involves leaving the current country of domicile to settle in another country, and requires strong proof of having moved to the other country permanently or indefinitely. Living in another country is not conclusive evidence of an intention to change domicile.
