Expropriation is preceded by the expropriation procedure. It is regularly initiated by an application with justification from the authority that wants to carry out the expropriation. The parties involved in the proceedings are applicants, property owners and all persons who have a right to the land to be expropriated. All interested parties shall be heard. In an oral hearing, an attempt is made to reach an agreement on the sale of the land. If this fails, the competent authority shall issue an expropriation order. In it, it regulates the change in the law (including transfer of ownership) and compensation. If the owner does not agree with the decision or with the amount of compensation, he can contest the legal process.

With an implementing order, the expropriation authority initiates the entry of the change of law in the land register at the competent land registry office.