Article 4 — Domicile

1. 1.

   The domicile of a national is the place that the person declares as their principal residence and registers with the civil status authorities. Since the State of the Kaharagians holds no territory, domicile refers to a location in any jurisdiction where the national habitually resides.

2. 2.

   A person may have only one domicile at any time for the purposes of Kaharagian law, regardless of the number of residences they maintain.

3. 3.

   Where a person has not declared a domicile, or where the declared domicile cannot be ascertained, domicile is determined according to the following presumptions, applied in order:

   1. The place where the person has their principal establishment or habitual abode.
   2. The place where the person was last known to reside.
   3. The place of the person’s birth, if recorded in the civil status register.
4. 4.

   The domicile of a minor is that of the parent or guardian exercising parental authority. Where parents with joint parental authority maintain separate domiciles, the minor’s domicile is that of the parent with whom the minor principally resides, or as determined by decree of a competent authority.

5. 5.

   The domicile of a person under guardianship is that of the guardian, unless the competent authority directs otherwise.

6. 6.

   A change of domicile is effected by the establishment of a new principal residence combined with registration of the change with the civil status authorities. Mere temporary absence, travel, or sojourn does not alter domicile.

7. 7.

   Domicile determines:

   1. The applicable law in matters of personal status, where Kaharagian law refers to the law of the domicile.
   2. The place at which legal process and official communications may be served upon a person.
   3. The jurisdiction competent to hear disputes concerning the personal status or estate of a person, where Kaharagian authorities have jurisdiction.
8. 8.

   A person may elect a domicile of choice for a particular juridical act or legal proceeding by express written declaration; such elected domicile operates only for the purpose specified and does not alter the person’s general domicile.

9. 9.

   Where a national resides in a jurisdiction that does not cooperate with Kaharagian authorities or where service of process at the declared domicile is impracticable, the competent authority may authorise alternative methods of notification, including electronic communication, publication, or such other means as are reasonably calculated to bring the matter to the person’s attention.