A process for conveniently and efficiently preparing a 2,6-dihalogenopurine using an inexpensive starting material. A process for preparing a 2,6-dihalogenopurine, comprising treating a 2-amino-6-halogenopurine having a protective group at 7.sup.th position or 9.sup.th position with a diazotizating agent and a halogen source; and a process for preparing a 9-acyl-2-amino-6-halogenopurine, comprising treating a 2-amino-6-halogenopurine with an acylating agent in the presence of a base.