Is it illegal to buy now, and register later?

as long as they dont change the steinberg “grace period” policy you will get the latest cubase version license when activating. but make sure you buy a new license that has never been activated.
also if you are planning for few years maybe you better wait for cubase sale from steinberg,(unless you got a really good deal with 3r party retailer) i think they usually have one per year,40 % off usually. now they have discount on upgrades from lower cubase versions. they have also the competitive crossgrade price option if u got other DAW license(see a list on cubase sell page)