A vertical-cavity light-emitting element includes: a first reflector; a semiconductor structure layer including a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, a second semiconductor layer, and a third semiconductor layer that are sequentially provided on the first reflector; a transparent electrode on the third semiconductor layer; and a second reflector on the transparent electrode and interposes the structure layer with the first reflector. The third semiconductor layer has a mesa structure to protrude on the second semiconductor layer and be covered by the transparent electrode. The light emitting element further includes a current confining layer including: an insulating film provided in the second semiconductor layer to surround the mesa structure and be in contact with the transparent electrode, the insulating film being an oxide of the second semiconductor layer; and an insulating layer on the insulating film to surround the mesa structure and define a through opening.