Abstract: An electroless plating solution having high stability and capable of preventing the formation of nodules is disclosed. The electroless plating solution includes metal ions which includes nickel ions and copper and/or cobalt ions, a complexing agent containing a hydroxycarboxylic acid and a reducing agent and having a pH of at least 7, and an anionic surfactant. The electroless plating solution further includes iron ions provided by a source selected from potassium ferrocyanide and potassium ferricyanide. The completing agent is preferably used in a molar amount at least equal to that of the metal ions. The electroless plating solution is preferred to contain from 1 mg/L to 0.2 g/L of iron ions and from 10 ppm to 10 g/L of the anionic surfactant.