Colombian singer Shakira has been acquitted of tax fraud following a legal battle that lasted nearly five years, and will receive more than £50 million from the Spanish government.

The Madrid-based Audiencia Nacional, Spain’s high court, ruled that tax authorities failed to prove she had spent enough time in Spain in 2011 to be classified as a tax resident.

Under Spanish law, an individual must reside in the country for more than 183 days in a year to be liable for tax.

The court found that the tax agency could only prove Shakira had stayed in Spain for 163 days during that year, falling short of the legal threshold.

It also stated that authorities failed to establish that the singer had her main economic interests in Spain at the time.

As a result, the court ordered the tax authorities to pay her €55 million (around £48 million) plus €5 million (£4.35 million) in interest.

Shakira welcomed the ruling, saying it had “finally set the record straight” after years of public scrutiny and personal strain affecting her health and family life.