A nonvolatile memory element comprises a resistance variable element 105 configured to reversibly change between a low-resistance state and a high-resistance state in response to electric signals with different polarities which are applied thereto; and a current controlling element 112 configured such that when a current flowing when a voltage whose absolute value is a first value as a desired value which is larger than 0 and smaller than a predetermined voltage value and whose polarity is a first polarity is applied is a first current and a current flowing when a voltage whose absolute value is the first value and whose polarity is a second polarity different from the first polarity is applied is a second current, the first current is higher than the second current, and the resistance variable element is connected in series with the current controlling element such that a polarity of a voltage applied to the current controlling element when the resistance variable element is changed from the low-resistance state to the high-resistance state is the first polarity.