Process for preparing ultrafine powders based on polyamides by contacting polyamides having a relative solution viscosity ηrel in the range from 1.5 to 2.0, measured in 0.5% m-cresol solution at 25° C., with an alcoholic medium in the presence of inorganic particles suspended therein under the action of pressure and/or temperature to generate an at least partial solution, and then precipitating the polyamide from the at least partial solution; the resulting ultrafine polyamide powders have a specific BET surface area of 5-100 m2/g; a fineness d50 of less than 70 μm; an apparent density AD from 250 to 1000 g/l; and a particle content of 0.1 to 80% by weight of inorganic particles based on the total weight of the polyamide powder; which powders are equally suitable for coatings and for mouldings and components with improved mechanical properties.