AbstractMitochondria use 800–1,500 proteins to perform their biological functions in the eukaryotic cells. Distinct transport and sorting mechanisms are responsible for the delivery of proteins to the correct location within mitochondria. Mitochondrial proteins undergo processing events and form functional assemblies. Finally, non‐functional proteins are cleared to maintain healthy mitochondria. We provide an overview of the processes collectively contributing to the maintenance of mitochondrial protein homeostasis, which is critical for cell physiology and survival. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(3):191–201, 2013.