Process for preparing 2,2-difluoroethylamine, comprising the following steps: (i) mixing 2,2-difluoro-1-chloroethane and gaseous, liquid or supercritical ammonia in a pressure-stable, closed reaction vessel under a pressure in the range from 10 to 180 bar; (ii) reacting the reaction mixture at a reaction temperature in the range from 80° C. to 200° C.; (iii) letting down the reaction mixture and isolating 2,2-difluoroethylamine.