United Kingdom, May 18 -- Shakira has been cleared of tax fraud in Spain after a legal battle lasting almost five years.

The singer, 49, is now set to receive more than £50 million from the Spanish government following a ruling by the country's high court after the Madrid-based Audiencia Nacional ruled Spanish tax authorities failed to prove the performer had spent enough time living in Spain during 2011 to qualify as a tax resident under Spanish law.

Judges ordered authorities to repay €55 million (£48 million), plus €5 million (£4.35 million) in interest, after determining investigators had only been able to confirm Shakira spent 163 days in Spain that year - below the 183-day threshold required for taxation...