Provided is a method for producing an SOI substrate comprising a transparent insulating substrate and a silicon film formed on a first major surface of the insulating substrate wherein a second major surface of the insulating substrate which is opposite to the major surface is roughened, the method suppressing the generation of metal impurities and particles in a simple and easy way. More specifically, provided is a method for producing an SOI substrate comprising a transparent insulating substrate, a silicon film formed on a first major surface of the transparent insulating substrate, and a roughened second major surface, which is opposite to the first major surface, the method comprising steps of: providing the transparent insulating substrate, mirror surface-processing at least the first major surface of the transparent insulating substrate, forming a silicon film on the first major surface of the transparent insulating substrate, and laser-processing the second major surface of the transparent insulating substrate so as to roughen the second major surface by using a laser.