A process is provided for the continuous production of thin-walled, radially closed hollow profiles composed of nonferrous metals and having a small cross section comprises supply of a flat strip of the metal to a forming apparatus at a first supply speed, the thickness of the strip corresponding to the wall thickness of the hollow profile. The forming apparatus continuous forms the flat strip into a shape corresponding to the hollow profile. After forming, two opposite edges of the flat strip rest flush against one another in a contact region and are continuously welded by means of a laser which emits light having a wavelength of less than 600 nm. The laser heats an area in a welding region having a diameter of less than 20% of the cross-sectional dimension of the hollow profile. The welded hollow profile is taken off from the welding region and taken up in an uptake device.