A surface emitting semiconductor laser includes a substrate, at least one light-emitting element on the substrate, and at least one protection element on the substrate. The light-emitting element includes a first semiconductor layer of a first conduction type electrically connected to a first electrode, and a second semiconductor layer of a second conduction type electrically connected to a second electrode. The protection element includes a third semiconductor layer of the first conduction type electrically connected to a third electrode, and a fourth semiconductor layer of the second conduction type electrically connected to the second electrode. The first semiconductor layer and the first electrode are electrically isolated from the third semiconductor layer and the third electrode by insulation means.