A method for programming an anti-fuse element in which the ratio between current values before and after writing is increased to ensure accuracy in making a judgment about how writing has been performed on the anti-fuse element. The method for programming the anti-fuse element as a transistor includes the steps of applying a prescribed gate voltage to a gate electrode to break down a gate dielectric film, and moving the silicide material of a silicide layer formed on a surface of at least one of a first impurity diffusion region and a second impurity diffusion region, into the gate dielectric film in order to couple the gate electrode with at least the one of the first impurity diffusion region and the second impurity diffusion region electrically through the silicide material.