A transfer device includes: a discharge type transfer element for transferring the developer to a sheet by discharging electric charge to a static latent image support through the sheet so as to form an image of an original thereon; and a transfer casing accommodating the transfer element, wherein the side on the sheet's entrance side is formed of an electrically insulating element, and is constructed such that the transfer element and transfer casing are arranged so as to be offset to the upstream side with respect to the rotational direction of the static latent image support, along the outer peripheral surface thereof and so that the upper end of the insulating element blocks up into the paper feed path, and the insulating element is adapted to be bent toward the sheet feed direction by virtue of an elastic member.