A surface emitting laser element includes a first distribution Bragg reflector (DBR) layer having a first conductivity type; a second DBR layer having a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type; an active layer located between the first DBR layer and the second DBR layer; an insulating layer formed over the second DBR layer; and a surface conductive layer formed over the insulating layer. In the surface emitting laser element, a first opening, which exposes the insulating layer and overlaps with the active layer when viewed in a thickness direction of the first DBR layer, is formed in the surface conductive layer, and the first opening extends when viewed in the thickness direction.