A method for manufacturing a DDR zeolite membrane element including the steps of: immersing a porous substrate in a raw material solution, forming a DDR zeolite membrane containing 1-adamanthanamine on a surface of the porous substrate by subjecting a DDR zeolite to hydrothermal synthesis in the presence of DDR zeolite seed crystals, applying a glass paste onto the surface of the porous substrate so as to contact the membrane, and heating the membrane at 500 to 800° C., thereby burning away the 1-adamanthanamine contained in the membrane and melting the glass paste to form a membrane-like glass seal contacting the membrane on the surface of the porous substrate. The method for manufacturing a DDR zeolite membrane element can inhibit the permeation of the DDR zeolite membrane from being hindered in a contact portion between the membrane and the glass seal and inhibit poor seal of the glass seal.