According to a representative configuration of the developing device and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the developing device includes: a developing sleeve which bears developer and conveys the developer to a developing region; a developing chamber which supplies the developer to the developing sleeve; an agitating chamber which forms a circulation path with the developing chamber and collects the developer from the developing sleeve; and a conveying unit (a first conveying screw and a second conveying screw) which circulates and conveys the developer in the circulation path. A spiral groove is formed on a surface of the developing sleeve so as to apply a conveying force to the developer in a rotation axis direction of the developing sleeve opposite to a developer conveying direction of the agitating chamber.