An emergency exit in a structure is a special exit for emergencies such as a fire; the combined use of regular and special exits allows for faster evacuation, while it also provides an alternative if the route to the regular exit is blocked.

The requirements for an emergency exit are as follows: it must be in a location that is easily accessible, the exit must bring people to a safe area or location, it must be well managed and regularly maintained, and it must be in a permanent clearly-marked location. In addition, the emergency exit should not compromise the security of the building or its occupants during normal operations.

An emergency exit path usually ends in a strategically-located (e.g. in a stairwell, hallway, or other likely places) outward opening door with a crash bar on it and with exit signs leading to it. A fire escape is a special kind of emergency exit, mounted to the outside of a building.