Spain forced to reimburse Shakira €55 million after tax dispute

Shakira has secured a major legal win in Spain after a court ordered the country’s tax authority to refund millions of euros collected from her in a long-running tax dispute.

Spain’s national high court ruled that the tax agency must return about €55 million to the singer, together with accrued interest, after finding that authorities failed to prove she was officially a tax resident in Spain in 2011.

Court rejects residency claims

The dispute revolved around whether Shakira spent enough time in Spain during 2011 to qualify as a tax resident under Spanish law.

Tax authorities had argued that the singer lived in the country for at least 183 days that year, which would have made her liable to pay personal income tax in Spain.

However, the court concluded that prosecutors did not provide enough evidence to support the claim.

According to the ruling, the singer spent approximately 163 days in Spain in 2011, below the legal threshold required for tax residency classification.

The court therefore dismissed the tax fraud allegations linked to that period and declared the penalties imposed against her invalid.

Millions to be refunded

The refund reportedly includes close to €24 million in income tax payments and nearly €25 million in penalties that had been imposed over alleged serious tax violations.

Shakira welcomed the ruling, describing it as relief after years of legal battles and intense public scrutiny.

The Grammy-winning singer said the decision finally helped repair years of damage to her reputation and personal wellbeing. She also reflected on the emotional toll the case had taken on her health and family over the last eight years.

Despite the court’s decision, Spain’s tax agency is reportedly planning to appeal the ruling before the Supreme Court, meaning the legal battle may continue.

Long-running tax saga

The latest ruling adds to Shakira’s complicated history with Spanish tax authorities.

In 2023, the singer reached a settlement in a separate tax fraud case involving the years between 2012 and 2014. Although she denied wrongdoing, she agreed to pay millions in fines to avoid a lengthy court trial and the possibility of a prison sentence.

At the time, prosecutors had sought a heavy punishment that included jail time and additional financial penalties.

Another investigation linked to her 2018 tax payments was reportedly dropped in 2024 due to insufficient evidence.

Busy year beyond the courtroom

Away from legal troubles, Shakira continues to dominate the global entertainment scene.

The singer behind hits such as Hips Don’t Lie and Whenever, Wherever is currently wrapping up her successful “Women Don’t Cry Anymore” world tour and is expected to begin a residency in Madrid later this year.

She is also reportedly set to appear alongside fellow global stars including Madonna and BTS during the halftime show of the upcoming FIFA Men’s World Cup Final.

Earlier this month, Shakira also drew massive crowds after performing a free concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.