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

No.

While the spelling, grammar, and literal meaning of "solicitar" are identical in both variants, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "solicitar" is commonly used in semi-formal contexts, such as in customer service, banking, or when using service-based apps (e.g., "solicitar uma viagem"). In Portugal, "solicitar" is perceived as much more formal and is generally reserved for official, administrative, or legal documentation. In natural, everyday conversation, a Portuguese person would much more naturally use the verb pedir to express the same idea. Additionally, the surrounding vocabulary often differs (e.g., "celular" in Brazil vs. "telemóvel" in Portugal).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Vou solicitar um novo cartão de crédito. (I'm going to request a new credit card.)
  2. O passageiro solicitou a alteração do destino. (The passenger requested a change of destination.)
  3. Você precisa solicitar o seu visto no consulado. (You need to request your visa at the consulate.)
  4. Solicitamos que todos desliguem os celulares. (We request that everyone turn off their cell phones.)
  5. Ele solicitou uma folga no trabalho. (He requested a day off from work.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Vou pedir um novo cartão de crédito. (I'm going to request a new credit card.)
  2. O passageiro pediu para mudar o destino. (The passenger asked to change the destination.)
  3. Tens de pedir o visto no consulado. (You have to request the visa at the consulate.)
  4. Pedimos que todos desliguem os telemóveis. (We ask that everyone turn off their mobile phones.)
  5. Ele pediu uma folga no trabalho. (He asked for a day off from work.)