diff --git a/lib/fileset/default.nix b/lib/fileset/default.nix
index 27a4d80f68ad..32bc00a227b3 100644
--- a/lib/fileset/default.nix
+++ b/lib/fileset/default.nix
@@ -1007,6 +1007,17 @@ in
           submodules = recurseSubmodules;
         };
 
+  /**
+    The empty fileset. It can be useful as a default value or as starting accumulator for a folding operation.
+
+    # Type
+
+    ```
+    empty :: FileSet
+    ```
+  */
+  empty = _emptyWithoutBase;
+
   /**
     Tests whether a given value is a fileset, or can be used in place of a fileset.