Media type · Two countries claim residence
Centre of vital interests
The tie-breaker that weighs where your personal and economic life is centred.
Key facts
| Used when | Two countries claim residence |
|---|---|
| Weighs | Family, home, work, assets, social ties |
| Decided by | Facts rather than intentions |
| Order | Usually after a permanent home test |
| Evidence | Leases, registrations, family records |
What the test looks at
The test asks where the stronger personal and economic ties lie, and it is applied to the facts of the year in question. A home in one country and a job in another can pull in opposite directions.
No single factor decides it. Statements of intent carry less weight than registrations, leases, school records and the pattern of daily life.
Frequently asked questions
Does a permanent home settle the question?
Only if there is a permanent home in one country and not the other. When both or neither qualify, the next tie-breaker is applied.
How far back do the facts go?
Usually to the year being assessed. A recent move can require evidence from both countries for the same period.