Which Embassy Should You Apply to for a Schengen Visa?

One country per trip, decided by the main destination rule in Article 5 of the EU Visa Code.

• Visiting one Schengen country: apply to that country.
• Visiting several: apply to the country where you spend the most nights, or the primary purpose of the trip.
• Equal stays everywhere: apply to the first country you enter.

"Visa shopping," picking the consulate with the lowest refusal rate regardless of your itinerary, gets applications refused and the 90 euro fee is non-refundable.

Sources: U.S. State Department

Practically, you will submit through VFS, BLS, or TLScontact, depending on the country. Book the biometrics appointment early; slots at popular centers fill weeks out in peak season. And apply no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before travel. Inside that window, earlier is always better.