A process for the preparation of 1:2 chromium, 1:2 cobalt, 1:2 nickel or 1:2 iron complex azo dye by diazotization, coupling and metalizing without isolation of the coupling product, which process comprises diazotising at least one amine of the benzene or naphthalene series in aqueous solution and coupling diazonium compound so obtained at a temperature in the range of 55.degree. to 85.degree. C. least one coupling component of the benzene or naphthalene series or of the heterocyclic series, such that the azo dye obtained as intermediate contains groups suitable for metal complex formation, and carrying out the diazotization or coupling in the presence of a chromium, cobalt, nickel or iron donor, and wherein the molar ratio of the sum of the amines and the molar ratio of the sum of the coupling components to the metallizing agent is 1.6:1.0 to 2:1.