In 1997 he moved to Scotland to join Rangers for a transfer fee of £500,000. Under manager Walter Smith he was rarely selected to play. In 1998 Dick Advocaat became the manager of the club and Johansson became a regular to appear for the team. He scored 17 goals in the 1998-1999 season in the squad that won the domestic treble, including eight goals in the Scottish Premier League and five in the UEFA Cup. In the following season Rangers won the domestic double, with Jonatan Johansson scoring seven goals. His overall tally at the club was 24 goals in 37 starts, plus 38 appearances as a substitute.