A semiconductor light-emitting element includes a semiconductor layer including a light-emitting layer, a refractive index gradient layer provided on a light extraction surface of the semiconductor layer, and a holding substrate bounded to an outer surface of the refractive index gradient layer with an adhesion layer interposed therebetween. A refractive index of the refractive index gradient layer is changed continuously or stepwise in a film thickness direction such that a semiconductor-layer-side refractive index is substantially equivalent to a refractive index of the semiconductor layer and a holding-substrate-side refractive index is substantially equivalent to a refractive index of the holding substrate. The refractive index gradient layer is formed by vapor plating.