Abstract This work presents nonlinear and linear analyses of the rotating Navier–Stokes–Voigt fluid layer that is simultaneously heated and soluted from below, considering different boundary surfaces. The energy method is used to form the eigenvalue problem for nonlinear analysis, whereas the normal mode analysis is used for the linear analysis. The Rayleigh number is numerically calculated by employing the Galerkin technique. Both nonlinear and linear analyses yield the same Rayleigh number, indicating the absence of subcritical regions and implying global stability. The Kelvin–Voigt parameter doesn’t affect the Rayleigh number for stationary convection. However, the crucial role of this parameter is established through an energy argument. The presence of rotation, Kelvin–Voigt parameter, and solute gradient give rise to oscillatory modes. Also, the effects of rotation and solute gradient are stabilizing on the system, whereas the stabilizing effect of the Kelvin–Voigt parameter becomes evident when convection exhibits an oscillatory behavior.