Abstract: Process for the continuous hot-dip galvanizing of a steel strip (1) containing oxidizable addition elements in a proportion allowing the mechanical properties of the steel to be improved, in which process the strip passes through a galvanizing furnace (3) in a reducing atmosphere, this furnace consisting of heat treatment sections, for heating, soaking and cooling, and is then dipped into a galvanizing bath (2). The strip is subjected, upstream of the inlet section of the furnace, to an oxidation treatment under conditions as regards temperature, duration and oxygen content of a gas in which the strip is immersed, such that the oxidizable addition elements are essentially oxidized within the strip, before they can migrate to the surface in order to form thereat an oxide layer.