A method for forming a surface layer, the method including: arranging a member in a machining fluid; and forming a surface layer including silicon by supplying silicon component from the silicon electrode to the member side by applying a predetermined voltage and generating electric discharge, wherein a value of an electric discharge detection level is set to be equal to or larger than a value obtained by adding a voltage depression at the silicon electrode to an arc potential during electric discharge, and wherein the surface layer is formed on a surface of the member by repetitively performing, after the voltage is applied, detecting the electric discharge generated between the silicon electrode and the member by detecting a drop of the voltage to be lower than the electric discharge detection level, stopping applying the voltage for a predetermined time, and applying the voltage again after a predetermined break time.