Is the word familiares the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The word "familiares" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are more "open" and clearly articulated. The unstressed vowels (like the "i" in familiares) are pronounced distinctly, giving the word a more melodic, syllable-timed rhythm.

In Continental Portuguese, there is a heavy tendency toward vowel reduction or "clipping." Unstressed vowels are often neutralized or shortened, almost turning into a "schwa" sound. This makes the word sound shorter and more "closed" to a non-native ear. Additionally, while the word itself is the same, a Portuguese person would naturally use a definite article before a possessive pronoun (e.g., "os meus familiares"), whereas a Brazilian would more frequently omit it ("meus familiares").

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Meus familiares viajarão no próximo mês. (My relatives will travel next month.)
2. Eu amo todos os meus familiares. (I love all my relatives.) Note: In Brazil, "familiares" is often used interchangeably with "parentes" in casual settings.
3. Meus familiares moram aqui no Brasil. (My relatives live here in Brazil.)
4. Vou convidar meus familiares para o churrasco. (I'm going to invite my relatives to the barbecue.)
5. Meus familiares não gostam de confusão. (My relatives do not like trouble/commotion.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Os meus familiares viajarão no próximo mês. (My relatives will travel next month.)
2. Eu amo todos os meus familiares. (I love all my relatives.)
3. Os meus familiares moram aqui em Portugal. (My relatives live here in Portugal.)
4. Vou convidar os meus familiares para o jantar. (I'm going to invite my relatives to dinner.)
5. Os meus familiares não gostam de confusão. (My relatives do not like trouble/commotion.)