A developing apparatus for developing an electrostatic latent image with a two-component developer is provided with a developer container (46) comprising a developer reservoir (50), and a developer agitation section (56) above the developer reservoir. A communication passage (64) is formed between the developer agitation section and the developer reservoir, and opened so as to form a developer overflow port from the developer agitation section. The developing apparatus is further provided with a developer supporter (48) set in the developer reservoir in the developer container. This developer supporter is exposed partially to the outside so as to face an electrostatic latent image supporter (10), and adapted to transfer the developer from the developer reservoir to a region opposed to the electrostatic latent image supporter so as to develop the electrostatic image thereon. The developing apparatus is further provided with a developer lifting means (68, 68', 70) for lifting the developer, which has been transferred to the region facing the latent image supporter by the developer supporter, to the developer agitation section, and a developer agitating means (58) for agitating the developer in the developer agitating section. A part of the developer agitated by this agitating means is supplied to the developer reservoir via the developer overflow port and the passage.