The invention relates to a method for producing a portable data carrier, for example a chip card. The method is characterized in that a spatial structure (6) is printed onto a first foil (2). Electrically conductive lines (12) are first applied to the structure (6), by spraying or casting for example, and components (14), such as a chip and an antenna coil for example, are then inserted into the structure (6), said structure (6) corresponding to the dimensions or the shape and size of the inserted components (14). In the process, the components (14) are connected to the lines (12) in an electrically conductive manner. A cover (16) is printed over the components (14). A second foil (18) can be applied onto the cover (16), and a printed design (4, 20) can be applied onto the two foils (2, 18). Additionally, a recess can be introduced into the structure (6) and the foils (2, 18) in order to insert a chip module (22) for example.