A light emitting diode (LED) device includes a light emitting epitaxial layer having opposite first and second surfaces and a plurality of microlenses formed on the first surface. The light emitting epitaxial layer includes a first type semiconductor layer defining the first surface, a second type semiconductor layer defining the second surface, and a light emitting layer disposed between the first and second type semiconductor layers and spaced apart from the first and second surfaces. The microlenses are formed on the first surface and formed of a light transmissible substrate for epitaxial growth of the light emitting epitaxial layer. A method for manufacturing the light emitting diode device is also disclosed.