Your application for settled status will generally be approved if you’ve:
started living in the UK by 31 December 2020
lived in the UK for a continuous 5-year period (“continuous residence”)
Five years’ continuous residence means that for 5 years in a row you’ve been in the UK for at least 6 months in any 12 month period, except for:
one period of up to 12 months for an important reason (for example, childbirth, serious illness, study, vocational training or an overseas work posting)
compulsory military service of any length
You will only need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme once if you get settled status in the UK.