A light-emitting element includes: a first semiconductor layer including a first type semiconductor; a second semiconductor layer including a second type semiconductor different from the first type semiconductor; an active layer between one surface of the first semiconductor layer and one surface of the second semiconductor layer; a first electrode layer on another surface of the second semiconductor layer and having a first cross-sectional area; and a second electrode layer on another surface of the first semiconductor layer and having a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area. A side surface of the light-emitting element defined by the first semiconductor layer, the active layer, the second semiconductor layer, and the second electrode layer is perpendicular to a main surface of the first electrode layer.