Provided is a raw material powder for powder metallurgy, capable of preventing stains, surface defects and decarburization of a sintered body, improving strength and density thereof. The raw material powder for powder metallurgy is for use in the production of a sintered body that is sintered at a temperature of not lower than 500° C., composed of a mixture of a metal powder and a lubricant, in which the lubricant is melamine cyanurate or terephthalic acid. Alternatively, the raw material powder for powder metallurgy is for use in the production of a sintered body that is sintered at a temperature of not lower than 500° C., composed of a mixture of a metal powder, a first lubricant and a second lubricant, in which the first lubricant is melamine cyanurate or terephthalic acid, while the second lubricant is preferably erucic acid amide or stearic acid amide.