This paper analyses the link between irregular migration and duration of stay. Using household and regional development data from Moldova and running a duration model, we find that duration of migration is longer for illegal migrants than legal migrants. Further investigation demonstrates that this effect is driven by significantly higher migration costs. From a policy perspective, our findings on irregular migration are highly relevant since they question the outcome of restrictive migration policies. This paper, like an increasing number of migration literature papers converging on the same conclusions, contributes further arguments for redefining migration policy.