Habitual residence

Habitual residence is a practical connecting factor in private international law. It points to the place where a person has the stable centre of life, assessed from facts such as duration, regularity, family ties, work, schooling, and intention where relevant. Unlike domicile, it usually does not require a formal legal status. Swiss authorities use habitual residence in areas such as family law, child protection, succession and international cooperation, often alongside treaties. The assessment is contextual and may differ for adults, children, and dependent persons.