For the first time in half a century, Penamacor has seen its overall population rise, a small yet symbolic victory against long-term decline. In 2023, the municipality recorded a net increase of 49 residents, thanks entirely to a positive migration balance of 130 people, which overcame a natural population loss of 81.

📊 Foreign Population Surge

Between 2008 and 2023, the number of foreign residents in Penamacor jumped from 58 to 440, marking an astonishing 650% increase. This rise reflects wider trends across Beira Baixa, where the number of foreign residents rose from 1,856 to 6,786 — a 266% increase — according to a regional study by the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (IPCB) for the Intermunicipal Community of Beira Baixa (CIMBB).

🌍 Where They Come From & Integration Impact

The majority of newcomers are from the United Kingdom and Germany, bringing a fresh demographic infusion to a region historically marked by ageing and depopulation. Their arrival has provided a vital boost to local infrastructure: foreign pupils now account for 18% of the children enrolled in Penamacor’s pre-school and primary education systems.

Mayor António Beites noted that these new residents are “helping to repopulate the territory,” while highlighting the importance of integration policies to ensure long-term success.

🎓 Academic Insight

A study titled Tourism, Immigrants and Lifestyle Entrepreneurship refers to Penamacor as the inland municipality with the highest percentage of foreign residents — nearly 10% of the total population. Many of these immigrants are lifestyle migrants, drawn by tranquillity, remote working opportunities, and the appeal of rural living. Some have launched small businesses in tourism and hospitality, contributing to local economic recovery.

🧩 Challenges Ahead

Despite the positive trend, challenges remain. Housing availability, language access, and ensuring fair access to public services are critical issues raised in both regional reports and local media. Tackling these obstacles will be essential to preserve Penamacor’s status as a model for rural renewal.

✅ Why This Matters for Beira Baixa

• Demographic revitalisation: Migration is offsetting decades of ageing and birth decline.
• Economic opportunity: New residents are supporting local schools, markets, and rural tourism.
• Rural resilience: Penamacor offers an example of how lifestyle migration can help reverse demographic collapse.

📚 Sources

• The Portugal News – “Immigrants reversing population decline” (15 June 2025)
• Notícias ao Minuto – “Imigrantes fazem população de Penamacor aumentar pela 1.ª vez em 50 anos” (12 June 2025)
• Mundo Lusíada – “Imigrantes fazem população de Penamacor aumentar pela primeira vez em 50 anos” (12 June 2025)
• Câmara Municipal de Penamacor – “Relatório de caracterização da situação e dinâmica imigratória na Beira Baixa revelado em Penamacor” (presented 5 June 2025)
• Rádio Covilhã – “Penamacor regista crescimento populacional … graças à imigração” (10 June 2025)