The present invention relates to a process for manufacture of a catalyst-coated polymer electrolyte membrane (CCM) for electrochemical devices. The process is characterized in that a polymer electrolyte membrane is used which is supported on its backside to a first supporting foil. After coating of the front side, a second supporting foil is applied to the front side, the first supporting foil is removed and subsequently the second catalyst layer is applied to the back side. In this process, the membrane is in contact with at least one supporting foil during all processing steps. Smooth, wrinkle-free catalyst-coated membranes are obtained in a continuous process with high production speed. The 3-layer catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) are used in electrochemical devices, such as PEM fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC), sensors or electrolyzers.