The present invention relates to a process for preparing 2-amino-6-alkyl-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzothiazoles (I) wherein the asterisk (*) represents an asymmetric carbon and R1 is C1-C6 alkyl; their enantiomers or mixtures thereof, their solvates, hydrates or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, comprising: (a) reacting a compound (II) with a secondary amine, optionally in the presence of an acid and a solvent 1, to form an enamine; (b) optionally removing said acid and said solvent 1, and then reacting said enamine with sulfur in the presence of a solvent 2; and (c) reacting the previously obtained compound with cyanamide to obtain the compound (I). Pramipexole, a compound with dopamine D-2 agonist activity, is among the compounds (I) and is useful for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.