A group III-nitride semiconductor device comprises a light emitting semiconductor structure comprising a p-type layer and an n-type layer operable as a light emitting diode or laser. On top of the p-type layer there is arranged an n+ or n++-type layer of a group III-nitride, which is transparent to the light emitted from the underlying semiconductor structure and of sufficiently high electrical conductivity to provide lateral spreading of injection current for the light-emitting semiconductor structure.