Not usually. Nationality and document type usually decide whether a visa is required. The itinerary decides the competent Schengen country, while legal residence normally decides which local mission can accept the application.

As a general rule, apply through the consulate with territorial responsibility where you legally reside. A mission may accept a justified non-resident case, but you must confirm that exception before booking.

Usually, yes. First entry decides competence only when several stays are equal and no single main destination can be identified. Carry evidence of the real itinerary used for the application.

A clearly documented main purpose can determine the main destination. If the purpose is not genuinely dominant, use stay length and verify the case with the relevant mission.

It shows the European Commission's current country-and-city directory of processing posts, representation arrangements and external providers. It names an exact territorial mission or permitted centre only where a separate official regional rule has been verified. Otherwise it deliberately stops at the official-listed options and asks you to confirm territorial eligibility.

A provider office is only a collection point. Some countries restrict applicants by province, postcode, visa category or consular district, while others allow nationwide submission. A city appearing in the official directory proves that a route exists there; it does not by itself prove that every resident may use it.