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

No.

While the spelling and core meaning of "fins" (the plural of fim) are identical in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, the word "final" is frequently used as a synonym for "fim," which leads to the plural form "finais" being much more natural than "fins" in contexts such as "weekends" (finais de semana). Additionally, when referring to the physical ends of an object, Brazilians more commonly use "pontas" or "extremidades," whereas "fins" is more strictly reserved for "purposes" or "goals."

Brazilian Portuguese Example Sentences

1. Para fins de segurança, use o cinto. (For safety purposes, use the seatbelt.)
2. Eu gosto muito de viajar nos finais de semana. (I really like traveling on weekends.)
3. O final do filme foi surpreendente. (The end of the movie was surprising.)
4. A empresa tem fins lucrativos. (The company is for-profit.)
5. O final da estrada é perigoso. (The end of the road is dangerous.)

Continental Portuguese Example Sentences

1. Para fins de segurança, use o cinto. (For safety purposes, use the seatbelt.)
2. Adoro viajar aos fins de semana. (I love traveling on weekends.)
3. O fim do filme foi surpreendente. (The end of the movie was surprising.)
4. A empresa tem fins lucrativos. (The company is for-profit.)
5. O fim da estrada é perigoso. (The end of the road is dangerous.)