The invention relates to a process for the preparation of tetrasubstituted ureas by reaction of the corresponding amines with phosgene in the presence of an aqueous inorganic base at a temperature in the range from 0 to 150° C., which comprises: feeding the corresponding amine, the phosgene and the aqueous inorganic base on average continuously to the reaction apparatus, forming a two-phase system in the reaction apparatus through the choice of the tetrasubstituted ureas to be prepared, through the mixing ratios of the substances and substance mixtures to be fed in, through the temperature during the reaction and, where appropriate, through the feed of an organic solvent which is not completely miscible with water, and discharging the reaction mixture on average continuously from the reaction apparatus.