• Non-linear vibration of nanobeam considering thermal and surface effects is investigated. • The nanobeam resting on a viscoelastic foundation is subjected to moving concentrated load. • The Eringen's nonlocal and the Euler–Bernoulli theories are applied. • The Galerkin and the multiple scales methods are employed to solve the problem. • The influences of the various parameters on the jump phenomenon are studied. Analytical solution for the steady-state response of an Euler–Bernoulli nanobeam subjected to moving concentrated load and resting on a viscoelastic foundation with surface effects consideration in a thermal environment is investigated in this article. At first, based on the Eringen's nonlocal theory, the governing equations of motion are derived using the Hamilton's principle. Then, in order to solve the equation, Galerkin method is applied to discretize the governing nonlinear partial differential equation to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation; solution is obtained employing the perturbation technique (multiple scales method). Results indicate that by increasing of various parameters such as foundation damping, linear stiffness, residual surface stress and the temperature change, the jump phenomenon is postponed and with increasing the amplitude of the moving force and the nonlocal parameter, the jump phenomenon occurs earlier and its frequency and the peak value of amplitude of vibration increases. In addition, it is seen that the non-linear stiffness and the critical velocity of the moving load are important factors in studying nanobeams subjected to moving concentrated load. Presence of the non-linear stiffness of Winkler foundation resulting nanobeam tends to instability and so, the jump phenomenon occurs. But, presence of the linear stiffness will lead to stability of the nanobeam. In the next sections of the paper, frequency responses of the nanobeam made of temperature-dependent material properties under multi-frequency excitations are investigated.