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

No.

While the meaning and spelling of "lhes" are identical in both varieties, there is a significant difference in typical usage (register) and syntax (placement).

• Register/Usage: In Brazil, "lhes" is primarily used in formal writing, literature, or highly formal speech. In everyday, casual Brazilian Portuguese, the pronoun is almost always replaced by the prepositional phrases "para eles" or "para elas." In Portugal, however, "lhes" is the standard, natural choice for everyday spoken and written language.
• Syntax (Placement): There is a difference in where the word is placed in relation to the verb. In Brazil, "lhes" is frequently placed before the verb (proclisis), especially in modern or slightly less formal writing. In Portugal, the standard and natural usage is to place the pronoun after the verb (enclisis).

Brazilian Portuguese

Note: These examples reflect the formal register where a Brazilian would naturally use this specific word.

1. O diretor lhes comunicará a decisão. (The director will communicate the decision to them.)
2. A professora lhes explicou a matéria. (The teacher explained the subject to them.)
3. Eles lhes ofereceram o cargo. (They offered them the position.)
4. O autor lhes dedicou o livro. (The author dedicated the book to them.)
5. A empresa lhes enviará o contrato. (The company will send them the contract.)

Continental Portuguese

Note: These examples show how a Portuguese person would naturally express the same ideas using standard/casual syntax.

1. O diretor vai comunicar-lhes a decisão. (The director is going to communicate the decision to them.)
2. A professora explicou-lhes a matéria. (The teacher explained the subject to them.)
3. Eles ofereceram-lhes o cargo. (They offered them the position.)
4. O autor dedicou-lhes o livro. (The author dedicated the book to them.)
5. A empresa vai enviar-lhes o contrato. (The company is going to send them the contract.)