Shakira Wins Multimillion-Dollar Tax Refund From Spanish Government

Colombian pop star Shakira has won a legal battle against Spanish tax authorities after a court ordered the government to refund more than €55 million following her acquittal in a tax fraud case.

Spain’s National High Court ruled that authorities failed to prove the singer was officially a tax resident in Spain in 2011, leading to the cancellation of penalties and taxes previously imposed on her.  

The ruling means the Spanish Treasury must refund the singer more than €60 million, including interest, according to reports by international media.  

The case centred on whether Shakira spent at least 183 days in Spain during the 2011 fiscal year, the minimum period required under Spanish law for someone to be classified as a tax resident.

The court found she had spent only 163 days in the country that year.  

In a statement after the ruling, Shakira said the decision had “finally set the record straight” after years of public scrutiny and legal pressure.

She insisted there “was never any fraud.”  

Spanish tax authorities had argued that the singer’s relationship with former Gerard Piqué and her activities in the country tied her financially and socially to Spain.

However, the court rejected that argument, saying there was insufficient proof that her main economic interests were based there in 2011.  

The case is separate from another tax dispute settled in 2023, in which Shakira agreed to pay millions of euros in fines related to unpaid taxes between 2012 and 2014 to avoid a prison sentence.

She maintained her innocence in that case as well, saying the agreement was made in the interest of her children.  

Spain’s tax agency has indicated it plans to appeal the latest ruling to the Supreme Court, meaning the repayment may be delayed until the legal process is completed.