A light emitting element includes an n-type semiconductor layer having an upper surface; a p-type semiconductor layer over a portion of the upper surface of the n-type semiconductor layer, the p-type semiconductor layer having an upper surface; a protective film continuously covering the n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer, the protective film defining an n-side opening at the upper surface of the n-type semiconductor layer and a p-side opening at an upper surface of the p-type semiconductor layer; a p-side electrode on the upper surface of the p-type semiconductor layer that is exposed in the p-side opening; an n-side electrode on the upper surface of the n-type semiconductor layer that is exposed at the n-side opening, n-side electrode having an n-side light-transmissive electrode; and an n-side pad electrode on the upper surface of the n-side light-transmissive electrode.