A method includes forming on a first main surface of a semiconductor wafer of a first conduction type, a gate electrode of a semiconductor element, an edge termination region for forming a breakdown voltage of the semiconductor element, and a first semiconductor region of a second conduction type which surrounds the semiconductor element and the edge termination region. A groove may be formed to reach the first semiconductor region from a second main surface of the semiconductor wafer. The groove is formed so that a portion of the semiconductor wafer, that forms an outer circumferential end of the semiconductor wafer, remains and the groove is further towards a center of the semiconductor wafer than the outer circumferential end. A third semiconductor region of the second conduction type is on a side wall of the groove and electrically connects the first semiconductor region and a second semiconductor region.