This disclosure includes a method for manufacturing a portable data carrier, an inlay for a data carrier, and a data carrier. A data carrier body has a gap for a chip and a chip is incorporated into the gap. In a subsequent step a cover layer is laid on the data carrier body, and the data carrier body and the cover layer are laminated. After the incorporation of the chip and before the lamination, a stabilizing agent is applied into the gap of the core layer, which remains soft or flexible during the lamination and cures or is activated (e.g. by means of UV radiation) only after the lamination, in order for mechanical tensions to be avoided.