The present invention relates to a continuous, catalytic process for preparing a vinyl ester of the formula R—C(O)O—CH═CH2 by reaction of a carboxylic acid of the formula R—C(O)OH with a transvinylating reagent of the formula R1—C(O)O—CH═CH2, wherein the reaction is effected at a temperature of 90 to 160° C. and at a pressure of 0.5 to 15 MPa without withdrawal of a reactant in the presence of a transition metal catalyst containing at least one transition metal from the group of ruthenium, osmium, rhodium, iridium, palladium and platinum, and then the resulting reaction mixture is separated into its constituents.