Abstract: Urea is synthesized from ammonia and carbon dioxide at increased pressure and elevated temperature. The unconverted starting components are separated and recycled to the synthesis stage and the resulting urea solution is vacuum thickened. The liquor vapor resulting from the vacuum-thickening is condensed under a pressure of from 0.04 to 0.90 ata by means of indirect cooling water, followed by contacting the uncondensed liquor vapor with an aqueous solution of the unconverted starting feed at a temperature of from 10.degree. to 60.degree. C. and pressure of from 1.5 to 18 ata for subsequent absorption condensation. The process according to the present invention makes it possible to reduce the rate of consumption of steam (per ton of urea) by 0.1-0.25 t/t and the rate of consumption of the cooling return water by 6 to 14 m.sup.3 /t.