Don't live in UK anymore but have 5 years continuous residence

I'm a German national who lived in the UK for 15 years, studying and then working. I left about 5 years ago and now live in Germany. I have been back to the UK on holiday at least once a year since then. Are there any options for people like me who don't currently live there but have put in the 5 years? Is it possible to get settled status using a friend's address? It seems unfair after brexit that I will not be able to return to work if I choose to.

Your PR is now invalid due to your long absence from the UK.

For the purpose of the Settled scheme, an absence of under 5 years does not break your residence rights for settled status.

Provided you have never been out of the UK for a complete period of 5 years, and not even visited during that intervening 5 years, you will qualify for settled status.

I do agree with the previous contributor that you have indeed lost your Permanent Residence status, but all may not be done with the Settlement scheme.

Thanks so much both of you. What if it's been just over 5 years? What kind of proof do I need to provide?

So Obie, you're saying it's possible to apply even if I don't currently live in the UK? Using a friend's address?

Could anyone get back to me regarding my last two queries? Keen to get this Settled Status sorted if possible.