A surface-emitting semiconductor laser includes an active zone, the active zone having a p-n-junction and surrounded by a first n-doped semiconductor layer and at least one p-doped semiconductor layer; a tunnel contact layer on the p-side of the active zone; an n-doped current-carrying layer that covers the tunnel contact layer, the n-doped current-carrying layer comprising a raised portion; and a structured layer having an optical thickness at least equal to the optical thickness of the current-carrying layer in the region of the raised portion, wherein the structured layer is disposed on the current-carrying layer within a maximum distance of 2 μm from the raised portion.