You cannot apply for residence in the Netherlands without a work permit. The requirements for obtaining a residence visa vary. If you are an EU national, from Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein or the Vatican City, or married to one of the aforementioned natioanlities you are automatically eligible for a residency visa and to work. You must simply register with the foreign police on arrival and obtain a tax number from the Belastingdienst (tax office). For other foreign nationals, obtaining the residence visa is dependent on whether or not you can obtain a work permit through an employer or are eligible for one of the other schemes like the Dutch American Friendship Treaty, the Highly Skilled Knowledge Migrant scheme, Working Holiday Scheme, or if you are a student.